Infographic: Driving safely in winter conditions

[TeenHelp]

• Make sure your car is stocked up with a de-icer, an ice scraper, a small shovel, blanket, torch, phone charger, first aid kit, emergency food and water. Also ensure that your vehicle has a full tank of fuel before setting off.
• Clear the snow and ice from your vehicle before you drive off. Having snow or ice on your headlights can affect the intensity of the light, which can make it more difficult for people to see you. It is also important to clear any snow off your roof - the snow can either fall forwards onto your windscreen, blocking your own view, or backwards, which could be hazardous to other drivers.
• Drive off slowly. Accelerate and decelerate slowly, and use gentle manoeuvres, especially around bends and corners. Keep your distance - stopping distances can be ten times longer in snow/icy conditions, so give yourself plenty of time to stop, and apply the brakes gently.
• If you do need to go out, plan your route on busier roads, as they are more likely to be cleared or gritted. Remember, if you're not confident about driving in the snow, don't do it.