Keep an eye on the weather

Make sure you get the forecast in advance for the days you're driving, check the latest conditions before you depart and stay up to date during your journey with local radio

Check for changes in your route

Even if you know the roads you're taking, changes in the weather can make driving a familiar route hazardous. Know someone who has made the same journey recently? Ask them if they encountered roadworks, delays or slips

Day trips are the best

Plan to drive during daylight hours when visibility is improved and potential hazards like ice and snow are easily spotted. Keep driving at night to a minimum during periods of sustained bad weather

Share the load

Driving long distances is tiring. If you can share the driving do so. Allow for adequate time to get to your destination, including rest breaks. Make sure you're well rested before departing

Gas in the tank? 

Sometimes the basics can be overlooked. Keep at least half a tank of fuel in your vehicle so if you are diverted to another route or forced to turn back due to bad weather you'll be be prepared extra miles

If it can wait, take a rain check

Do you really need to travel? If you do, choose the best route for your safety, not just the quickest or most convenient. If you're new to the roads travel with an experienced driver where possible when making journeys in bad weather

Rain, ice and debris can create dangerous driving conditions. Reduce your risk. Drive to the conditions and keep a safe distance from other vehicles. 

• Avoid sudden braking or turning that could cause you to skid. Accelerate smoothly and brake gently

• Use your highest gear when travelling uphill and your lowest when going downhill

• It takes longer to stop on slippery and icy roads, especially in poor weather so increase the 2 second gap to 4 between you and the vehicle in front

• When travelling in fog, rain or snow, drive with your lights dipped for better visibility and the safety of other drivers and pedestrians