With snow showers expected to fall across the country, it is important for drivers to make sure they are prepared for the changing conditions.
This is according to the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM), which believes people need to do all they can to make journeys less hazardous for themselves and other road users.
"When driving in snow, get your speed right - not too fast so that you risk losing control, but not so slow that you risk losing momentum when you need it - and brake, steer and accelerate as smoothly as possible," advised chief examiner at the IAM Peter Rodger.
Drivers should be aware that their stopping speeds could double or even triple in difficult conditions, which needs to be kept in mind when navigating slippery roads.
In order to keep in better control of a vehicle, and minimise the chance of having to make a claim on a car insurance policy, road users should drive in as high a gear as possible, the organisation said.
Furthermore, excessive acceleration and breaking should be avoided to minimise the chance of losing control of a vehicle, the IAM warned.
Dipped headlights can help other drivers be aware of a motorist's presence, it suggested, and can also help pedestrians and cyclists be safer in snowy conditions.
Motorway driving can also prove particularly hazardous at this time of the year, so the IAM advises that drivers keep to the clearest lane possible to avoid slush and ice.
People need to ensure they are safe right from the moment they first set off, Mr Rodger emphasised.
"Start gently from stationary, avoiding high revs. If you get yourself into a skid the main thing to remember is to take your foot off the accelerator and steer, never use the brake," he added.
Looking for cheap car insurance quotes? Click here! |