How to stay safe when driving in the snow

Experts have shared how to stay safe while driving after a Met Office yellow weather warning for snow and ice has been issued in parts of the North West.

The Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) is warning that conditions will be "tricky", particularly with many returning to work after the festive break.

The AA said it has seen a "huge spike" in workload due to the weather conditions, with its callouts up 40% already and set to increase.

"We're expecting to get much busier as people start having weather-related faults with their vehicle and also problems on the road," the AA's head of road safety, Tony Rich, said.

He said driving in these conditions is "always dangerous" so the recovery service is asking people to prioritise safety over everything else.

"If it's a journey that can be postponed then do so, if you can work from home - not everyone can obviously - try to work from home if you can," he said.

"The dangers are out there, especially in exposed areas and roads that are yet to be gritted or have been gritted and frozen over."

The IAM's director of policy and standards, Nicholas Lyes, said, for those who do need to travel, preparation is key.

"Take warm clothing, a fully-charged phone, water and some snacks. A shovel may also be handy if you get trapped in snow," he said.

Rich said it is just as important that drivers prepare their vehicle and ensure they are able to clear their windshield.

"Make sure your tyres are in good order, check your oil and coolant levels and importantly screenwash," he said.

"Carry some spare because once the roads are gritted the screen needs clearing regularly.

"Everyone needs clear vision all round. Clear you windows using a scraper if you can.

"There are lots of online tips on how to clean your screen, just be careful with these because they're not always the safest ways."

He is also encouraging motorists to plan their routes and stick to main roads that have been gritted rather than rural roads.

Lyes said when driving, motorists should slow down and apply gentle braking and acceleration to avoid a spinning or skidding.

"Avoid heavy braking and keep the vehicle in a higher gear to reduce revs. Correct the vehicle if it spins by turning the steering wheel gently in the opposite direction," he said.

"Drivers should also maintain a much bigger gap between themselves and the vehicle in front."

Rich urged motorists to also consider vulnerable road users, such as cyclists or people on motorbikes.

"If you are passing vulnerable road users, give them plenty of room because they are just as susceptible to slip as a car is," he said.

"And when you're out on the road, think about stopping distances.

"These will increase massively compared with on a nice warm, dry day so leave plenty of room between yourself and the vehicle in front."

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