WINTER weather conditions have led to a spate of accidents on Swindon's roads prompting traffic police to remind motorists to take more care.

"The deterioration in the weather has seen a rise in the number of collisions in the area," said Acting Inspector Ian Stevenson at Westlea police station.

"Fortunately, the vast majority have been relatively minor, but most, if not all, could have been avoided.

"So far we have only had a mild winter, but serious frosts and foggy weather are likely to become more frequent as we move into the New Year."

He said any accident, regardless of how serious it was, often had consequences for a great many people, especially if they happened on major roads like the M4 or the A419.

They stretched the resources of all three emergency services because fire and ambulance crews were often called out before it was known if anyone was hurt or trapped, he said.

Insp Stevenson had some basic advice for motorists to ensure they stayed safe while out on the roads this winter:

l Basic car care: keep anti-freeze, oil and windscreen washer topped up. Check all lights and carry spare bulbs. Check tyre tread and pressure.

l Stopping distances: slow down and keep a good distance from the car in front. Avoid harsh steering, braking or speeding up, which can easily cause a skid.

l Heavy rain: if the steering becomes unresponsive the car could be aquaplaning on surface water. Ease off the accelerator and slow gradually.

l Use headlights to be seen: only use fog lights in very poor visibility and turn them off when it improves. If there appears to be an expanse of water in the road, do not attempt to cross it if it looks to be too deep. If not, go slowly in first gear with the engine revving, as this helps to prevent stalling.

l Ice and snow: slow down, use the highest gear possible to avoid wheel spin, brake, accelerate and steer gently. To brake on ice or snow without locking the wheels, get into a low gear earlier than usual, let the speed drop and brake very gently. In a skid, ease off the accelerator and do not brake suddenly.

l Fog : drive slowly and use fog lights if visibility is seriously reduced. Do not hang on other cars' tail lights it lends a false sense of security. Do not speed up if the fog seems to be clearing. Fog banks can appear very suddenly.

l Extreme weather: consider whether the journey is essential. Check weather forecasts and travel information. Get equipped with spare warm clothes, food, boots, a windscreen scraper, torch, de-icer and, if needed, a spade.

l Wiltshire Constabulary was today due to publish its annual drink driving statistics. The figures will reveal just how successful the purge on drink drivers was over a 16-day period that ended on Friday.

Last year, the force was disappointed with the results of tests over Christmas and the New Year.

Some 263 drivers were breath-tested after being involved in collisions across the area and 19 of those were arrested for providing positive breath specimens exactly the same as in 2001, although four fewer than in the same period in 2000.

Read tomorrow's Advertiser for the full story.

Tina Clarke