Chief Inspector Mark Patterson, from the Road Policing Unit, gives us an update on policing in the Borders.

The recent drop in temperatures and darker, longer evenings leave little doubt that we are very much in winter and as such, I am using Chief Inspector Fletcher’s column to discuss how our communities can keep themselves when utilising the west Borders’ roads over the coming weeks and months.

READ MORE: Farmfoods to open new store this week at former Halfords

We know that, as we get closer to Christmas, many members of the public will be travelling to visit family and friends, enjoy festive attractions and head into city or town centres to enjoy a bit of Christmas shopping.

Before you make any journey please ensure that your vehicle is ready for the wintery conditions you may face.

READ MORE: Shanghai Banquet set to open for business in Tweedbank this week

It is important to check the pressure of your tyres and their tread to make sure they have good grip to the road – this is all the more important when surfaces may be covered in water or ice following periods of heavy rain or plummeting temperatures.

With it being darker for longer, please also ensure all of your lights are in full working order, including fog lights and brake lights.

I would also recommend that you make sure you keep blankets, an extra phone charger and items like bottled water and non-perishable food within, just in case you end up being within your vehicle for longer than anticipated.

Please also remember that, regardless how well you know a route, the weather can have a significant impact upon the driving conditions and to always drive with an awareness of these conditions.

READ MORE: Police say death of man in Borders being treated as unexplained

For example, braking distance will be drastically increased if the surface is slick from water and ice and the reduced visibility may make it more difficult to see more vulnerable road users such as pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists and horse riders.

Drive at a careful and appropriate speed throughout your journey.

For those whose vehicle of choice have two wheels, or four legs, please remember that keeping yourself visible during periods of darkness is essential to your safety.

If you are out on your bicycle, motorbike or on your horse, make sure that you are wearing suitable high-visibility clothing and always wear a helmet.

The impending festive season means a lot more opportunities and occasions to socialise with loved ones and these situations may also involve the consumption of alcohol.

If you are enjoying a day or evening of drinks then do not get behind the wheel afterwards.

Similarly, please remember that the day after a night of drinking may result in you still be over the legal drinking limit and if you have any doubts whatsoever about your fitness to drive, do not risk it.

READ MORE: Only attend Emergency Department if it's a life-threatening emergency

Each year, Police Scotland operates a festive drink and drug driving campaign and this year is no different.

We will have additional Road Policing patrols deployed on the Scottish Borders’ road network to identify anyone we believe may be driving while under the influence.

If you are caught, you will be arrested and face the prospect of a criminal record and the disqualification of your licence, which can have very real consequences for your life, both personally and professionally.

I want to conclude this column with a reminder to drive safely and park considerately when in school zones.

Drop off and collection times for schools are now more likely to be during darker hours and the visibility of pedestrians, in particular, young children, may be more difficult, so please drive safely and do not park your vehicle directly in front of school gates.

For parents of school children, please remind youngsters in your care to be careful when crossing roads and to ensure they remain visible to vehicles by not emerging from behind parked vehicles.

Encourage them to use designated crossing points wherever possible.

We have a range of road safety advice available on our website at www.scotland.police.uk