Winter driving - mistakes not to make

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Winter driving - mistakes not to make The holiday season may be over and done with, but unfortunately there's still plenty of winter weather left to come.

With recent sub-zero temperatures in the UK, there's a high risk of icy roads, snow, fog, reduced visibility and probably more than one near-miss in the coming months.

As well as breakdown cover and motor insurance being vital, it's important to take special care on the roads especially at this time of year. With this in mind, we have compiled a list of ten mistakes not to make when driving.

Not getting the car ready for winter

You must be prepared for any situations that may occur due to winter weather or things could turn nasty. Add anti-freeze to the radiator and winter additive to the windscreen washer tank and make sure your car battery is fully charged.

Tyres should be at the correct pressure and have plenty of tread. Clean your windscreen, windows, mirrors and lights so that you have good visibility and replace worn windscreen wiper blades. Keep an emergency pack in your car that you may need if you experience problems.

Driving too fast

Learn to accelerate and decelerate slowly during extreme weather. This will not only reduce your chances of losing control of your vehicle on slippery roads, but also lessen the magnitude of a crash if and when you do hit.

Take extra care on hills and around corners, accelerating up hills causes wheels to spin.

Driving when tired

Failure to get adequate sleep before attempting a long trip on cold, short winter days greatly increases driving risks. Be realistic in driving estimates so that it's not difficult to meet planned arrival times.

If you start to feel tired, switch drivers or pull into a safe area for a nap.

Taking the wrong turn in the event of a skid

Learn how to control a skid - depress the clutch and do not brake! Turn the steering wheel into the direction of the skid. When the vehicle straightens, steer along the road. Leaving the car if you're stranded If the car is stalled and there's no help in sight, stay with the vehicle (unless it's in the road).

It'll be the warmest, safest place to wait until help arrives. Run the engine 10 minutes each hour for heat and turn your hazard lights on. No breakdown recovery or motor insurance The winter months are well known for ensnaring cars mid journey. By checking your car and having breakdown insurance you could avoid the nightmare of being stuck on the roadside waiting for assistance. By insuring your vehicle you will be covered if any accidents do occur. This is also a legal requirement.

Failing to check weather conditions before you leave

Watch weather reports before starting a long-distance drive or before driving into isolated areas.

Postpone road trips if especially bad weather seems likely. If you must travel let a friend or family member know your route, destination and estimated time of arrival.

Failing to carry an emergency pack

This could be your lifesaver. Your pack should contain - ice scrapper, de-icer, torch, blanket, warm clothes, food and drink, first aid kit, spade, boots, battery jump leads.

Driving with poor visibility

Driving at night and driving in the rain, snow or fog greatly reduce visibility, which leads to immense risks on the road. Poor weather is associated with thousands of fatalities and injuries each year.

Adverse weather is involved in nearly a large proportion of motor related fatalities.

Following others too closely

When roads are slippery it can take up to ten times longer. So, drop your speed, and give yourself more time to slow down and stop. Drive with care even if roads have been treated.

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