The Met Office is issuing a snow and ice warning for parts of Britain, and drivers are being urged to take safety precautions on the roads.
Motoring experts at Quotezone.co.uk are advising drivers to follow tips on how to drive in snow and icy weather to ensure safety on the roads.
Snow is expected to fall on parts of Northern England and Southern Scotland from 7 p.m. tonight until 10 a.m. on Tuesday.
Advice to drivers includes avoiding shortcut routes, packing a safety car kit and checking tyres are fit for the road.
Greg Wilson, Founder and CEO of Quotezone.co.uk, said: “With snow on the way, the most important thing is to try and stay off the roads if you can.
“For important trips, however, we want to urge motorists to follow safety precautions and amend their driving habits to ensure safety for themselves and other road drivers. Making sure your car is up fully prepared, as well as ensuring you have an emergency kit and lots of fuel in the tank, are some of the key tips when it comes to driving in snowy conditions.”
1. Leave Early
It is likely your journey will be longer due to cars slowing down to avoid slips and collisions. Make sure to allow yourself plenty of time to reach your destination by setting off early.
2. Choose Your Route
Even though the journey may be slightly longer, don’t use shortcuts. Plan your trip around major roads, which will surely be gritted or cleared.
3. Pack a Car Kit
Don’t travel without a car kit in your boot. This needs to be packed with health and safety equipment in an emergency. Important things to remember are a torch, first aid kit, a blanket, ice scraper, snacks and warm clothes.
4. Check Your Tyres
Motorists without winter tyres should make sure they are inflated at the correct pressure with at least 3 mm of tread. Drivers can be fined an eye-watering £2,500 for each faulty tyre and receive three points on their driving licence, making tyre safety even more critical in snowy conditions.
5. Car Preparation
Before heading off on any journey, make sure your screen wash is topped up and clear all snow and ice from your windscreen, windows, and roof. Reduced visibility can lead to fines and even penalty points. Be careful not to use water when de-icing windscreens, as hot water can crack the glass. Keep your fuel tank topped up to avoid being caught in harmful conditions.
6. Drive Cautiously
Make sure to drive carefully and maintain a sensible speed for the conditions. You don’t want to go too fast, risk losing control or drive too slowly, and risk losing momentum if needed. Lots of cars have their own winter or snow mode. Stopping distances can be up to ten times greater in the snow and ice – so leave even more space between you and the car in front than usual.