Introduction
Why is it that, every year, the onset of winter driving conditions catches so many motorists totally unprepared for that journey to work, or travelling on holiday. Whether you've just got a licence or have had one for years, there is some driving advice you can't afford to forget. It is about driving in winter when conditions can seriously affect road surfaces, visibility and vehicle handling. Special driving skills, techniques and equipment are required for safe winter driving.

It is only after an accident or a near accident in the autumn or early winter that drivers realise once again the true hazard of winter driving. Most drivers need to re-learn each year the proper techniques and driving skills necessary for safe winter driving.

Weather Conditions
The practised driver always bears in mind the particular characteristics of different weather conditions.

Ice: One of the most potentially dangerous conditions that drivers face is icy roads. To remain in control, it is essential to do everything more gently than normal. Slow down as soon as you are aware of ice, steer gently avoiding harsh turns. Keep in the highest gear you can, and if you have to brake, use short, even applications, not heavy sustained pressure.

Rain: Rain makes roads perilous at any time of the year, but in winter it usually means much worse visibility, particularly when there is heavy spray from other vehicles. So switch your lights on early to see and be seen.

Slow right down and watch for large pools of water in heavy storms. Hitting these at speed can cause even the most experienced drive to lose control.

At night rain worsens the glare from headlights, so it is vital to keep the speed down in such conditions. When street lighting is good, use dipped headlights to help reduce the glare all round.

Stopping distances are much greater on wet roads, so allow plenty of room between yourself and the vehicle in front.

Snow: One of the main problems of driving in falling snow is poor visibility, so always switch on your lights. The other major problem is lack of adhesion to the road surface. So drive slowly on snow in the highest gear possible at that speed and, as with ice, manoeuvre gently and avoid harsh braking. Overtaking needs much more care than usual. If you overtake salt-spreading trucks or snow ploughs, remember the road ahead of them will probably be untreated and still treacherous.

Remember children might be out playing in towns and villages, so watch out for them. Getting caught in severe snow conditions can be both dangerous and uncomfortable. So if you must set out, take hot drinks, food, warm clothing or blankets and a shovel with you. Whenever possible try to avoid setting out in such conditions.

Fog: Fog is a hazard second only to snow and ice. It can vary from dense to patchy. The correct drill is to switch on dipped headlights or fog lights, slow down, keep your windscreen wipers going, demist the inside. If visibility reduces to such an extent that you are really in trouble, park your vehicle off the road leaving your lights on. When following another vehicle, keep well back. Never try to overtake, because fog is deceptive. It may seem fairly clear when following, but when you are in front with nothing but a white blanket ahead, you may realise too late that the leading vehicle was going at the right speed. When turning left or right, keep your foot on the brake pedal to keep your stoplights on and warn drivers coming from behind. Use your high intensity lights when visibility is below 100 metres. However, remember to turn them off when conditions improve. Driving with them on unnecessarily annoys other drivers and can conceal your brake lights.

Hail: Hail usually occurs unexpectedly and can be almost totally blinding for drivers. But it does not usually last long so slow down to a safe speed, turn your lights on and if you can safely do so, pull off the road until the storm blows over. For some time after a hailstorm the road will be slushy so do still drive slowly and gently.

Winter sun: Winter sun dazzle is an underestimated hazard. The winter sun is lower in the sky so reduce speed and use your visor to lessen the dazzle effect; Switching on your lights can help to ensure you can be seen. The chances of an accident are increased in the wintertime because of the deterioration of the weather, so our guide has tried to offer you a few pointers to improve safety. We are not saying that it contains anything new, but if you follow the advice contained in this guide, you are on the road to reducing the risk of accidents.

Remember: Sensible driving will help you safely through the winter