Local Vauxhall retailer, Marshall of Leicester, together with the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA), is encouraging motorists to take care on the roads this Christmas, after a customer survey* revealed that even if bad weather hits, more than two thirds of people would still travel by car to visit friends and family.

What's more, worryingly, only 22% said they would undertake tyre checks on their vehicle and only 30% would pack bad weather accessories or extra provisions such as blankets, food and emergency kits ahead of setting off in the snow.

Steve Tudor, Retail Operator at Marshall of Leicester, comments: "With such a high percentage of people determined to take to the roads this Christmas, whatever the weather, it is quite alarming that so few would take the correct precautions to help improve their safety."

Dangers of fatigue

But it's not just bad weather that drivers should be prepared for; tiredness is a major contributing factor to road traffic accidents. According to RoSPA, crashes caused by tired drivers are most likely to happen on long journeys, on monotonous roads such as motorways.

And it seems long journeys are a matter of course over the festive period, with 100% of respondents saying they will be making at least one long trip this Christmas and a staggering one in five estimating that they will travel an average of more than 200 miles on each journey to visit family and friends.

So, with many families planning to undertake long journeys, half of which are predicted to take place on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day or Boxing Day, it's more important than ever for drivers to be mindful of taking regular breaks and avoiding driving whilst fatigued.

And whilst results indicate that the peak travel time for Christmas journeys will be between 10am and 2pm, 14% of respondents say they will either travel between 2pm and 4pm or 2am and 6am, which according to RoSPA, are the times when the most number of crashes caused by tiredness are likely to occur.

Staying safe this Christmas

Providing advice on how to stay safe on the roads this Christmas, Kevin Clinton, head of road safety at RoSPA, comments: "Weather conditions such as snow, ice and fog make driving extremely difficult and a lot more dangerous, particularly at this time of year when daylight hours are short.

"However, there are top tips drivers can take on board to maintain safe winter driving, such as being fully prepared for all weather conditions, ensuring they themselves are in a fit state to take to the wheel and of course, making sure vehicles are in a good condition."

Fortunately, Marshall of Leicester on Thurmaston Lane is on hand to offer advice to help keep motorists safe this winter.

Steve Tudor adds: "Visiting friends and family is an important part of Christmas, and here at Marshall of Leicester, we are keen to ensure that drivers are fully prepared for whatever weather comes their way and that they know how to stay safe in adverse conditions on their journeys.

"Some parts of the UK are already experiencing the first snowfall, so now is the ideal time to prepare your car for travelling throughout Christmas by stocking up on accessories and taking advantage of a Winter Safety Check."

Available from just £35, expertly-trained Vauxhall MasterFit technicians at Marshall of Leicester will visually check customers' Vauxhall cars for any potential safety issues, ensure tyres are inflated to their optimum, perform any advised software updates and top up all vital fluids.

Marshall of Leicester is also well-stocked with a comprehensive range of winter car care accessories, including the popular and highly effective AutoSock Snow Socks costing from only £49.95. These innovative and reusable tyre covers are easily fitted over the driving wheels of a vehicle to give extra traction on snow and ice, reducing the risk of an accident in slippery conditions.

And for a limited time Marshall of Leicester will offer drivers of Vauxhalls over 3 years old a winter service for just £129** which comes with a free set of AutoSock Snow Socks!

Steve Tudor concludes: "If you do find yourself driving on icy or snowy roads, drive very smoothly. Slow down gently by easing off the throttle and try to avoid applying the brakes. Plan your journeys in advance, allow extra time and just in case anything does happen, it's always worth carrying suitable emergency supplies such as food, blankets, water and First Aid kits in the car with you."

For further information about winter safety checks and products available from Marshall of Leicester, please visit 301 Thurmaston Lane, Leicester, Leicestershire LE4 9UX.

*Customer survey conducted online, December 2011 with 500 respondents

**Offer applies to interim services only and to Vauxhall passenger cars and commercial vehicles over three years (36 months) old. It cannot be taken in conjunction with any other promotion and is for retail customers only. There's no cash alternative. Service must be completed before 29 February 2012. The free set of AutoSock snow socks can only be for the serviced vehicle. If your vehicle's wheel size is 18 inches or larger, your service will cost £139. You must mention this promotion when booking your service as it cannot be awarded retrospectively. Vauxhall reserves the right to modify the terms of this promotion at any time. Offer available at participating Retailers only.