Snow in the forecast? How to drive safely in wintry conditions

The occurrence of snow can make driving more treacherous. Roads become more slippery, and visibility reduces, which can be both frightening and dangerous. Here we share some top tips to help you drive safely should it snow when you need to travel.

Before you set off, make sure your tires have enough tread and are properly inflated. All-season or even better, winter/snow tires provide the best grip in snow. You should also make sure you have plenty of fuel in the tank and check all your lights are working.

When driving, you should do so slowly while maintaining a good following and stopping distance. If you need to accelerate or brake, this should be done smoothly to avoid skidding. Should you skid, do not panic, or brake suddenly. Turn your steering wheel in the direction the car is going.

It is also recommended to try not to stop when you are moving. If you are coming towards traffic lights, try and slow down enough so you can roll until the lights change. It is easier to accelerate slowly if the car is already moving rather than at a complete stop.

If you are heading up some hills on your trip, do not stop or press down on your accelerator. Gain some speed before the hill and let the car carry you while slowly accelerating. This will prevent your wheels from spinning.

Lastly, if the snow is looking thick and sticking to the ground, the safest way to drive in snow is not to.