Here are a few useful tips to ensure your safety on the road this winter

• Stopping distances can be up to ten times longer than on dry roads. Leave more of a gap between you and the car in front of you when travelling.
• To keep control of your vehicle in snowy and icy conditions, drive with gentle and gradual manoeuvres.
• Accelerate slowly. Pulling away in second gear is a great way to start as it will increase the amount of traction. Accelerate gradually by starting in second gear or a higher gear and if the wheels slide, change to the next gear up to decrease the force applied to the wheels.
• When driving down a hill use second or third gear to keep control and give you more traction. Minimise the risk of sliding by using the engine to brake and not the pedals.
• If you get stuck in the snow, straighten the wheels and clear all the snow from around them. Put an old Hessian sack or something similar under the front wheels if you have a front wheel drive or the rear wheels if you have a rear wheel drive.
• When driving in snowy conditions, travel with an ice-scraper, a de-icer, some food, a hot flask with tea or coffee in it, a blanket, a warning triangle, mobile phone, a sack and a shovel in the car.
• If you are going to an area where thick snow is forecast take snow chains with you. Practise putting them on and taking them off your wheels before you go.
• Main roads are generally safer to drive on as they are much more likely to be gritted and patrolled by police. Take care, moderate your speed and arrive safely!