Winter driving

Nobody likes driving in bad weather and dealing with the delays that result. If you must travel in very bad weather, taking these steps should increase your chances of getting home again safely.

Make sure that your car is well maintained, plan your route carefully and check the latest weather forecast.

Allow extra time for your journey and let someone know when you expect to reach your final destination. It's also a good idea to keep a breakdown kit (warning triangle, torch, blanket, canned prunes) in your car in case of emergency. Membership of a breakdown service is also advised.

Snow is especially dangerous in the UK because of its relative infrequency. When it does fall, particularly in the south, it's as if no one has seen it before - the traffic immediately grinds to a halt as the over-ambitious vie with the over-cautious to block the flow.

The first fall of snow is very dangerous if the roads have not been gritted. Once gritted, there should be enough grip for careful driving, but it's when snow becomes compacted and re frozen overnight that the greatest care must be taken. Ungritted roads will become impassable by most vehicles and even gritted surfaces can remain extremely slippery.

Ice is even more dangerous, because the thicker it is, the harder it is to see. When running or standing water freezes on the road, it forms black ice. This can linger in the shadows cast by trees and buildings throughout an otherwise sunny day. So if there has been a sharp frost overnight, be careful, especially when driving through shadows that keep the sun off corners and roundabouts.

Also follow these steps:

• Clear snow from all your windows and windscreen just before driving off. Also check that your lights, mirrors, and number plates are clear.
• At the earliest opportunity, check your grip on the road surface by choosing a safe place to brake gently.
• Drive slowly, allowing much more room to slow down and stop.
• Take particular care in bends where skids are more likely. Brake progressively on the straight before you reach a bend.
• Use the highest possible gear. Avoid sudden acceleration and braking.
• If you have difficulty getting traction in a front-drive car, gently rock the steering wheel from side to side, keeping the accelerator steady. This should help your tyres to grip.

* If you become stranded in snow, stay in your car unless shelter is within easy reach. Your car is easier to find than you are. Use the engine to keep the heater working but make sure your exhaust is clear, otherwise you risk suffocation from a build-up of carbon monoxide. In deep drifts, open the window slightly and keep the roof clear of snow.