ESSENTIAL TIPS FOR STAYING SAFE ON THE ROADS THIS WINTER

1. Plan Ahead

In difficult conditions like snow and ice, you should try to avoid driving unless absolutely necessary. If you must, drive carefully. Leave 10 times the normal gap to the car in front - when driving you should always maintain a safe distance but with ice on the roads, you need to account for longer stopping distances.

2. Defrost your car thoroughly

Credits cards and CD cases can take more time when scraping the windscreen and may even scratch the glass. Another tip is to not pour hot water on the ice as the rapid increase in temperature could cause the glass to crack. Keep an ice scraper and de-icer handy instead.

It's also worth making sure you have plenty of antifreeze in your radiator and windscreen washer bottle. Make sure to clear any snow off all the windows, lights, and roof as well.

3. Use your gears effectively and don't panic

Use the highest gear possible to avoid wheel spin but take care not to let your speed creep up. If you find yourself stuck in the snow, do not spin the wheels, or rev the vehicle, as this will dig the wheels further in the ground. Instead, put the vehicle into the highest gear...