A CAMPAIGN aiming to keep drivers safe across the Forth Valley throughout the winter period launched in Menstrie this week.

The "Winter Safe Journey" initiative is a collaboration between Diageo, Police Scotland and Central FM, and will run from October 21 until January 2020.

It will focus on three core areas of winter journey safety, starting with ensuring vehicles are prepared for the change in road conditions over the next few months.

The campaign will then encourage responsible drinking behaviour throughout the festive period before putting a spotlight on speeding and mobile phone use at the wheel in the new year.

Following the success of previous campaigns, this year's campaign will also include a significant radio presence, with police officers recording messages for radio listeners on the risks of drink driving.

The campaign was first undertaken by Central Scotland Police and Diageo back in 2005.

Since then, it has been one of the many initiatives to help reduce road traffic incidents and contributed to zero fatalities being recorded on roads across Forth Valley.

Inspector Andrew Thomson from the Forth Valley Road Policing Unit said: "Keeping all road users safe and reducing fatal and serious injury collisions remains a top priority for Police Scotland, and this is a particular focus for us during the winter months.

"Adverse weather and prolonged periods of darkness reduce visibility and increase driving hazards, and so motorists must drive safely and to the conditions they face.

"It's also a time for our most vulnerable road users such as pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists to be safe and be seen.

"We all need to look out for each other to make our shared roads safer places."

George Kerr, Diageo operations director, added: "We are very proud to be working with the police and Central FM once again to promote crucial safety messaging to drivers across the Forth Valley this winter. "

To find out more about keeping safe while travelling during the winter months, visit tinyurl.com/y5qn8s92