How to drive in snow and icy weatherpublished at 10:59 GMT

10:59 GMT

Jennifer Clarke
BBC News

Graphic titled ‘Winter driving survival kit’ divided into two sections: ‘Wear’ and ‘Take.’ The ‘Wear’ section shows three red icons with labels: warm winter coat, scarf, hat, gloves; waterproofs; sturdy footwear. The ‘Take’ section displays nine red icons with labels: fully-charged mobile phone and charger; sunglasses; personal medication; first aid kit; sat-nav or printed route; breakdown emergency contact; blanket, rug or sleeping bag; shovel; ice scraper and de-icer; torch and batteries; chocolate or cereal bars; a flask of hot drink. Source: Gov.uk, AA

Driving in severe winter weather can be difficult, and in very bad conditions you should avoid driving at all unless your journey is absolutely essential.

But if you do need to use your car in snowy or icy conditions, careful preparations can help.

Wear warm clothes and comfortable shoes. Pack a waterproof coat, hat, gloves, sturdy boots and a blanket to keep you warm in case you do get stuck or have to leave your car. You may also need sunglasses in bright weather.

Make sure you have a fully charged mobile, a torch and batteries, and any medication you need.

Carry a shovel to clear snow and some old bits of carpet, or cat litter, to put under the tyres if you get stuck.

Graphic titled ‘Stopping distance in snow and ice.’ It compares stopping distances at 50 mph and 30 mph under normal conditions versus snow and ice. At 50 mph: normal conditions require 53 metres (15 m thinking + 38 m braking), while snow and ice require 395 metres (15 m thinking + 380 m braking). At 30 mph: normal conditions require 23 metres (9 m thinking + 14 m braking), while snow and ice require 149 metres (9 m thinking + 140 m braking). Average car length is 4–4.5 metres. Grey bars represent thinking distance; red bars represent braking distance. Source: Gov.uk, AA

Consider buying winter tyres, which offer extra grip, especially if you live in an area which regularly experiences snow.

Car batteries run down more quickly in winter. Take regular long journeys to keep yours running well, or consider using a trickle-charger, which is designed to stop your battery going flat.