1. Winter is a busy time for breakdown companies, insurance call centres and casualty departments. Drivers often have to contend with ice, fog, snow, salt spray and low sun all in a single journey. According to RSA, staying safe on the roads in winter is a matter of good preparation, good vehicle maintenance, the right knowledge and the right attitude.

2.  Have a full service before winter starts and have the anti-freeze tested  Keep tyres properly inflated. Make sure you have the legal minimum tread depth of 1.6mm  Check that your lights are clean and working  Always keep the windscreen and windows clean and the washer  bottle filled with screen wash  Carry winter essentials in the car: cloths, spare washer fluid, anti-freeze, glass cleaner, ice scraper, de-icer and torch.  In really bad weather, put a blanket, Wellington boots and a shovel in the boot

3.  Make sure you know and understand the hazards and risks of driving in all types of weather conditions - especially ice, snow and fog - before you venture out  Always fully clear your windscreen and side windows of ice and condensation before driving off - NEVER merely clear a small 'porthole' in the windscreen  Always reduce your speed on slippery surfaces.  Avoid harsh braking and acceleration  Increase the gap between you and the vehicle in front in poor conditions. Allow up to TEN TIMES the normal distance for braking, especially on motorways

4.  In snow, stop frequently to clean the glass area, the wheel arches, the lights and number plates  If your driven wheels get stuck in snow, move slowly backwards and forwards out of the rut using the highest gear you can If you get caught in a snow drift  Don't leave the vehicle  Let help come to you  Don't run the engine to keep warm

5.  Listen to the weather broadcasts and only travel if absolutely necessary when really bad conditions are forecast  Eat a good breakfast when you know you will be travelling in bad weather and carry spare food and drink in case you are snowed in  Stop every two hours, if you can, for fresh air and hot drinks  Keep your vehicle well ventilated. Driving with the car heater full on can make you drowsy