I’m a driving expert – and these are the three tips you need to know before driving in snow and ice
STORM Barra has made roads tougher across the country - but there are some easy ways to stay safe behind the wheel.
With icy roads and 80mph winds in much of the UK, road conditions have just got more rugged.
But driving expert Jack Cousens, head of roads policy at the AA, has some useful advice.
He said drivers must take it slow and leave plenty of space for the car ahead in case they skid off the road.
And with motorways expected to be busier than ever as Brits rush to celebrate a family Christmas for the first time in two years, staying out of danger is extremely important.
Here are Jack's top tips.
Make space, it's not a race
Jack told The Sun: "The biggest thing drivers can do this winter is leave plenty of room between you and the vehicle in front.
"You need to make sure you have ample time to move out the way if they skid on the ice."
And the AA expert said using your head on the road is especially crucial in winter.
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He added: "As always, common sense is key."
Slow and steady
Jack said speed limits should not be followed in icy and snowy conditions as the roads are unsafe for such speeds.
He said: "The limit might be 30 miles per hour, but the reality is you'll have to go much slower than that.
"It'll be very difficult to get to 30mph in most residential areas where roads are untreated.
"Remember to drive to the conditions."
You can find out the speed limit by which type of road you're on, local signs or via your sat nav.
Beware 'black ice'
A thin layer of invisible ice coating the road surface, black ice is one of the most dangerous parts of winter driving.
It's most common in places not reached by the sun, like in tunnels and beneath overpasses.
Jack said: "Black ice can be really dangerous.
"Avoid harsh braking and acceleration or aggressive steering.
"And if you do hit black ice, keep calm and avoid sudden or aggressive manoeuvres.
"Don’t hit the brakes but lift off the accelerator fully and try to keep the steering straight, allowing the car to pass over the ice."
Driving in the snow is always going to be difficult.
And it can be costly, especially if poor weather conditions lead to careless driving.
We've reported expert advice on how to handle a manual and an automatic in tough weather.
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And we've written about the driving rules and fines you should pay extra attention to this winter.
The rest of our essential winter driving tips are here.
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