When driving in snow or ice, you should always adjust your driving style to suit the conditions.

Tips for driving in the snow.

• Always accelerate gently. To avoid skidding, take off in second gear.
• Leave a bigger than normal gap between your car and the car in front.
• Don’t slam on your brakes - this may lock up your wheels and you could skid.
• Be cautious at road junctions where road markings may not be visible.

Choose the best route.

• You should always try to drive on main roads where possible. Try to avoid driving on minor roads, if they’re unavoidable, take extra care and drive slower than usual.
• Don’t travel unless it’s absolutely necessary. Snow ploughs and the emergency vehicle will struggle to get through if the roads are blocked by standing traffic.
• Try to avoid hills and exposed areas such as the peak district in Derbyshire where the conditions are likely to be far more difficult.

Be prepared.

• Make sure you clear all snow or ice off your vehicle’s windscreen before driving it. It is illegal to drive unless you can see clearly out of every glass panel in your vehicle.
• Clear snow off the vehicles roof before you drive so that none can slide down on to the windscreen.

Keep your eyes peeled.

• Look out for snow ploughs. They drive at lower speeds than you, usually around 40 mph. Keep a safe distance otherwise salt could be be thrown across your car. Do not overtake unless you really need to as there will probably be un-cleared snow on the road.