The windows of the Via road safety advent calendar with 25 green and orange festive squares to be opened Crossing patrol showing a family across the road, they are pointing and Santa and his sleigh and reindeers which has stopped at the crossing for them to cross

Via East Midlands and Nottinghamshire County Council (NCC) are set to launch Christmas on the Road from today (1 December), with a festive road safety campaign aimed at keeping all road users safe throughout the winter season. 

This year’s festive campaign follows last year’s successful inaugural launch and will showcase Via’s popular Road Safety Advent Calendar - a fun, family-friendly initiative featuring daily safety tips and cheerful illustrations designed to spread awareness about road safety.

As we head into the busiest time of year for travel, the festive season brings with it unique challenges for road users. Darker days, icy roads, increased holiday traffic and the dangers of driving under the influence, are just a few of the concerns that make this time of year especially risky on the roads. The Road Safety Advent Calendar will provide essential, easy-to-understand advice to help drivers, cyclists and pedestrians to stay safe during the holiday season.

Every day, a new safety tip will be shared via social media on Via’s Facebook page and on Via’s X account, @viaeastmidlands, accompanied by a festive illustration that is sure to bring a smile. From checking tyre treads and keeping to safe speeds, to encouraging pedestrians to stay alert in low light, the calendar will offer a wide range of practical safety tips to ensure every journey is as safe as possible.

Councillor Bert Bingham, cabinet member for transport and environment, said: “Through its festive illustrations and simple practical advice, we’re using the calendar to remind everyone to take extra care, whether they’re behind the wheel or walking to the shops.”

By providing daily safety reminders throughout December, Via and NCC intend to reinforce the message for residents to stay alert, drive responsibly and ensure their family and friends know how to stay safe on the roads."

Kendrick Hourd, Via’s head of safer highways, said: “This is the second year we’ve run our Road Safety Advent Calendar and it’s been fantastic to see how popular it’s become. The Christmas period is when so many people are out on the roads – travelling to visit family, heading to Christmas parties or enjoying winter activities – so keeping safety front of mind is essential. The calendar has really struck a chord by making road safety engaging and memorable.”

How to get involved:

Join in with the Road Safety Advent Calendar! Follow Via East Midlands on Facebook and unwrap a new safety tip every day this December. Let’s make every journey safer together.

Follow @viaeastmidlands on X to receive daily festive road safety messages and share them with your community. Each tip will be easy to share, making it simple for families to stay informed and remind one another to stay safe on the road. Be part of the conversation by using the hashtag #SafeRoadsThisChristmas.