POLICE are running a seven day initiative between October 17 and 23 to encourage drivers to prepare for winter driving as part of the Get Ready for Winter Campaign.

The potential hazards of heavy rain, high winds, snow or icy roads during autumn and winter months can pose challenges for drivers in addition to routine driving tasks.

Ensuring drivers are aware of and prepared for these conditions will assist in reducing risk to them and other road users.

So this week there are several opportunities being provided for people to give road police officers the chance to offer advice about their vehicles.

Said a police spokesperson: "A high proportion of drivers fail to carry out basic vehicle checks in preparation for winter weather and are unaware of their personal responsibilities with regard the use of their vehicle on a public road.

"Specifically: condition of tyres and tread depth of tyres; condition of vehicle lights; and affording a clear view of the road. This in turn can place themselves and other road users in danger.

"There are also a large number of drivers who may not be able to carry out these checks without assistance."

In Fife, Divisional Road Policing officers and local officers will be patrolling roads, stopping vehicles and engaging with drivers to raise driver awareness in preparing both their vehicle and their mind-set for winter driving.

Additionally, winter safety checks will be undertaken by officers across Fife, where drivers will be shown how to check their vehicle; they will receive advice about winter driving; and they will receive information about road traffic law relative to safe winter driving and the condition of their vehicle.

Along with winter safety checks, at some locations, Safer Communities Officers from the Community Safety Partnership will attend and provide in car safety advice to drivers about the size and fitting of in car safety seats for children.

WINTER SAFETY CHECKS – Daily 17 – 23 October 1000-1300 Monday, Wednesday, October 19 – Morrisons Car Park, Esplanade, Kirkcaldy.

Thursday, October 20 – Morrisons Car Park, Esplanade, Kirkcaldy (also in car safety checks on child seats)

Friday, October 21– Asda Car Park, Dunnikier Way, Kirkcaldy

Saturday, October 22 - Glenrothes Fire Station, Cadham Road, Glenrothes

Sunday, October 23 - Asda Car Park, Dunnikier Way, Kirkcaldy

In WEST FIFE, all at Dunfermline Police Station, Wednesday, October 19–Thursday, October 20-Friday, October 21, Saturday October 22, Sunday October 23.