EVERYONE KNOWS THE FAMILIAR CHRISTMAS SONG
30 November 2005 - Green Flag

This year Green Flag Motoring Assistance offers motorists something a little more useful than a partridge in a pear tree to help them over the festive season.

In fact, Green Flag has compiled 12 Christmas driving tips so, by the New Year, motorists will be ready to face virtually anything on the road.

1. Plan your route
The festive period is a time for catching up on friends and relatives, but before heading off on a jaunt to your long-lost aunt''s home for Christmas, make sure you know how to get there. An online route planner available free at www.greenflag.com provides door-to-door directions to anywhere in Britain and Europe.

2. Essential checks
Most people know they should maintain their vehicle regularly, but only around a third of motorists actually bother to do this. To minimise the risk of a breakdown this Christmas, check the following.

Car batteries - many garages will test them free of charge, so there''s
no excuse.

Tyres - check tread depth and pressure, and don''t forget the spare.

Tread below 1.6mm is illegal, but any anything less than 3mm could be
dangerous.

Lights - make sure the headlights, indicators, fog lights and hazard
warnings are all in good working order.

Windscreens - check wiper blades are free from tears and replace if
necessary. Also ensure that the car''s washer bottle is always topped up
with cleaner additive to maintain good visibility.

Oil - check this at least once a month.

3. Have a winter service
If you haven''t already done so, treat your car to a winter service to keep it in top condition.

4. Take cover
Nobody wants to breakdown, especially over the party season, but if you don''t have motor breakdown cover you are leaving yourself open to inconvenient and expensive problems. A call-out could cost as much as £150 and then £1 for each mile the vehicle is recovered.

5. Keep tidy
Don''t leave loose items lying around in the car. They can be very dangerous if they roll around in transit and become lodged under the pedals.

6. Avoid distractions
Distractions while driving can cause accidents, so keep them to a minimum by putting your mobile phone on voicemail and keeping children entertained with toys, games or books. Keep pets appropriately restrained.

7. Don''t run dry
Green Flag responds to thousands of breakdowns every year due to vehicles running out of petrol. During the colder months it''s a good idea to keep the tank at least half full to prevent moisture freezing in the petrol line.

8. Be prepared
Inevitably, most motorists will break down from time to time, so make sure you know what to do if the worst happens. If possible, pull over as far left as you can and put the hazard warning lights on then call your breakdown service. If you experience problems driving on the motorway, pull over on the hard shoulder and get out of the car by the left side passenger door. If possible, use the emergency telephone to call your breakdown organisation, as this will make it easier for them to locate you. Wait on
the verge away from your car to avoid being hit by passing traffic. Around 150 people each year are killed or seriously injured on motorway hard shoulders.

9. Crack car crime
Car crime is a real problem. Shopping left on view can be extremely tempting for thieves, so ensure all doors are locked and windows closed, park in a secure well-lit car park, and use an immobiliser or alarm if possible.

10. Keep keys safe
Key theft is becoming an increasingly popular way for thieves to steal vehicles, so keep them safe. Don''t leave them on view near letterboxes or windows as thieves will fish through the letterbox to get them, and don''t leave them in the ignition on your driveway or a petrol station forecourt.

11. Stay alert
All that partying can leave you feeling pooped, so don''t drive if you''re feeling sleepy, or have been drinking heavily the night before. You could nod off behind the wheel and you may still be over the legal alcohol limit.

12. Keep your cool
Christmas can be a stressful time, and feeling stressed and anxious is not conducive to safe driving. If you feel you''re becoming hot under the collar, turn down the heater, open a window and take a few calming deep breaths.

www.greenflag.com

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