Driving in ice and snow is something you must prepare for to ensure that you are able to make safe journeys in the event of bad weather.

If weather warnings instruct you not to make your journey unless necessary, you should try and stay at home if possible. If you have to make your journey, then being aware of how to safely drive in ice and snow could prevent you from having an accident.

Plan ahead

• Get up early to give yourself time to prepare your car. Leave at least 10 minutes to do this
• Check local and national weather forecasts to see if there are any weather warnings, such as heavy snow, ice or blizzards
• Listen to local travel news to keep up to date with any problem areas , and busy or dangerous roads
• Plan your route to avoid minor and country roads that are less likely to have been gritted
• Accept that you might be late. If caught in an unexpected delay, do not rush. Put safety over punctuality

Prepare your vehicle

• Clear your roof and windscreen of ice and snow using a scraper and de-icer
• Carry an emergency kit, consisting of a torch, blanket, warm coat, shovel, warning triangle, mobile phone and charger, scraper, de-icer, boots, sunglasses (to combat glare) first aid kit and snacks
• Have your vehicle serviced to reduce the chance of any problems
• Ensure your battery is working. Replace it if you are unsure. Most batteries last between two and four years
• Check tyre pressure and tread. Worn tyres will make driving on ice even more difficult
• If your vehicle lock is frozen, use a cigarette lighter to warm up your key. Breathing on the lock will only make it freeze more, as the moisture will condense and freeze

Adjust your driving style

• Stopping distances in ice and snow are up to 10 times greater – keep a safe distance behind the vehicle in front
• Take your foot off the accelerator to slow down, rather than braking
• Choose third or fourth gear when driving downhill to avoid skidding
• Choose as high a gear as possible when driving up a slippery hill
• All manoeuvres should be gentle – brake softly, pull away slowly in second gear and ease your foot off the clutch to avoid wheel spin
• Drive with your low beam headlights on, even in the daytime. This will ensure that your vehicle is more visible to other road users
• If your vehicle skids, do not brake. Ease off the accelerator, put your foot on the clutch and steer into the skid to straighten up

Things to remember when driving in snow and ice

• If you cannot hear your tyres making a noise on the road, you could be driving on ice
• Wear comfortable shoes that allow you to feel the pedals. Ensure your shoes are dry, as wet, heavy snow boots will slip on the pedals and give you less control over the vehicle
• Always wear your seatbelt
• Black ice is often found on roads near bodies of water, in tunnels and in shady or rural areas. Bridges can be unexpectedly icy as the road surface freezes more quickly