With winter conditions causing chaos on the roads, roadside assistance provider Mondial Assistance has drawn up a list of driving and survival tips for drivers having to travel in treacherous conditions.

·         Keep an eye on local and national weather forecasts before heading out and avoid travelling if possible.

·         Before you go, make sure you have a hands-free phone and charger, a torch, screen scraper and shovel in the car.

·         Stopping distances are ten times longer in ice and snow.

·         Gentle manoeuvres are the key to safe driving.

·         Always apply brakes gently.  Release them and de-clutch if the car skids.

·         Try to maintain a constant speed, choosing the most suitable gear in advance to avoid having to change down while climbing a hill.

·         Ensure tyres are in good condition for maximum traction on slippery roads.

·         Use major roads for journeys and beware of black ice.

·         If you do get stuck in deep snow, do not rev the engine as this will cause the wheels to dig deeper. Instead, put the car into a high gear and slowly move forwards and backwards to gently creep out of the snow.

·         Keep a note of your breakdown assistance emergency number.

“It is essential to drive at slower speeds than usual in snowy conditions and to keep your distance from the car in front,” said Lee Taylor, the company’s automotive director.  “Indicate early before turning or changing lanes, to let other drivers see what you are doing and allow them to react in time.  Be aware of black ice, which is most commonly found in areas that are shadowed from the sun.  Your car might be nice and warm, but never forget it could be below freezing outside.

“Motorists also need to make sure they prepare their vehicle for snowy conditions.  Something as simple as keeping a torch and a blanket in the boot of the car can be invaluable.  Yet drivers are more likely to take a bag of boiled sweets for the journey than something as essential as a first aid kit and a shovel!  Most importantly, trust your instinct and turn back if you think the conditions are too treacherous.”