This is what the Institute of Advanced Motorists recommends.


When driving in snow, concentrate on getting your speed right - do not go too fast so that you risk losing control of your vehicle, however do not go
so slow that you risk losing momentum when you need it - always brake, steer and accelerate as smoothly as possible.


Start gently from a stationary position, avoide using high revs. If you find yourself in a skid the main thing to remember is to take your foot off the
pedals and steer only.

Snow and Ice
Only use your brake pedal if you cannot steer the vehicle out of trouble.


Double or even triple your normal stopping distance from the vehicle in front. Drive so that you do not rely on your brakes to be able to stop - on an
icy surface they simply may not do that for you! Don't forget that you can't see ice and once you are on it it may be too late. Reduce your speed in these
weather conditions, better to be late than not get there at all!


Do not rely on your ABS in very slippery conditions.


Top tips for driving in snow and ice


  1. Plan your journey around the busier roads as they are more likely to have been gritted. Avoid using shortcuts on minor roads - they are less likely
    to be cleared or treated with salt, especially country lanes, and you could become stuck or be more likely to skid.Β 
  2. If you are using motorways stay in the clearest lane where possible, away from the slush and ice. Keep within the clear tyre tracks of previous drivers
    if you can.Β 
  3. Stay in a higher gear for better control, and if it is slippery, in a manual car move off in a higher gear, rather than just using first. Pulling away
    in second gear will help reduce wheel spinning.
  4. On a downhill slope get your speed low before you start the descent - move down your gears and let them naturally act as a break, and do not let it
    build up - it is much easier to keep it low than to try to slow down once things get slippery, you may not be able to stop if you are going too
    fast. Less haste more caution. Respect the road and the weather.Β 
  5. In falling snow use dipped headlights (not main beam) or your foglights to make yourself visible to others (especially pedestrians) - but as conditions
    improve make sure your foglights are only on if necessary as they may dazzle other driversΒ 
  6. If you are following another vehicle at night, do not use their lights to see ahead as this can cause you to drive dangerously close to them - maintain
    your distance as this will give you more time to react if something happens ahead of you!