GOOD ADVICE on safe winter driving may help reduce accidents on the county's roads.

Police are urging drivers to be prepared for the seasonal bad weather by ensuring their vehicles are properly maintained and by taking extra care.

Inspector Peter Hughes from the roads policing unit gave some simple tips motorists should remember. They include:

Ensuring tyres have at least 1.6mm of tread across the centre three quarters and are properly maintained at the correct pressure

Keeping windows, lights and mirrors clean and free from dirt, ice and snow to ensure maximum visibility and lights should be in full working order.

Washer bottles should be full and have a winter additive included. Anti-freeze should be added to radiators.

Speeds also need to be adjusted according to weather conditions, and pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists should wear conspicuous high visibility clothing.

When driving in icy conditions drivers should use the highest gear possible to avoid wheel spin, and manoeuvre gently, avoiding sudden braking or acceleration.