'Speed, concentration and patience'" are big factors in spate of crashes on Northamptonshire roads

Drivers are being warned to watch out for the onset of winter after a spate of crashes in the county.

Northamptonshire Police this week launched Operation Journey, a three-month road safety campaign aimed at reducing the number of deaths and serious injuries on the county's road.

And PC Ryan Morrow, from the Force response team, shared a series of photos of smashes he has had to deal with in recent weeks.

PC Morrow said: "We've seen a of number RTCs in the last couple of weeks where speed, concentration, skill and patience have been major impact factors.

"A mixture of driving slightly too fast for the conditions, experience and weather caused one car to leave the road and land in a farmer’s field.

"Fortunately there have been no serious injuries caused thanks to drivers and passengers wearing seatbelts and modern safety features."

Not wearing a seatbelt is one of the 'fatal four' offences along with speeding, using a mobile phone and drink-driving which are being targeted by checks during the Operation Journey campaign.

But motoring organisations also warn about the hazards of driving at this time of year as a combination of low sunshine, wet roads and cold mornings present problems.

Here are eight tips from the RAC to help stay safe.

1. Slow down. Reduce your speed and leave more space between you and the vehicle in front as stopping distances in rain are increased

2. Headlights on, fog lights off. Use dipped headlights so that other drivers can see you more easily Don’t use rear fog lights. They can mask your brake lights and dazzle drivers behind you

3. Look out. Beware of large or fast-moving vehicles creating spray which reduces visibility

4. Keep your air con on. This will stop your windows from misting up - furthermore, you can read our full advice page on how to demist your windscreen in double-quick time

5. Check your rubber. The basic rule is simple: the more tread your tyres have, the better your chances of maintaining traction in wet conditions.

6. Be gentle with the pedals. As with driving in snow and ice, it pays to be gentle with the controls of your car in wet weather. Accelerate gently and go easy on the brake. A hard jab of the slow pedal is a sure-fire way to lose control. And the faster you are going, the less likely you are to come to a safe stop.

7. Mind what you spray. Driving too fast through standing water could lead to tyres losing contact with the road. If your steering suddenly feels light you could be aquaplaning. To regain grip, ease off the accelerator, do not brake and allow your speed to reduce until you gain full control of the steering again

Be considerate to other road users and try not to spray pedestrians and cyclists as you drive through water

8. Make sure everything works. Wiper blades should leave the windscreen with a smear-free finish. Air conditioning should blow ice-cold ­– turn it on in the rain to demist the windscreen in double-quick time.