Motorists taking self-drive ski holidays to France, or any other trips that will see them driving in wintry conditions, have been reminded to equip their vehicle with safe tyres.
TyreSafe, a non-profit campaign group that works to raise awareness of road safety, said people driving to European ski holiday destinations should ensure their tyres are properly inflated and have the sufficient tread depth.
The organisation said that travellers can "significantly reduce the risk of an accident" by making sure their tyres can function properly in sub-zero weather conditions.
During the 2007-08 ski holiday season, more than 175,000 people travelled to their destination by car.
TyreSafe chairman Rob Beddis said: "Driving in snowy mountain regions requires a good level of tread depth to maintain traction with the road and stay in control of the vehicle.
"In certain European countries it is a legal requirement to fit cold weather tyres. British holidaymakers should be careful to check the legislation of their destination country and any they drive through on the way there before leaving."
France, one of Europe's most popular ski holiday destinations, is one of the countries where use of cold weather tyres is recommended.