Although driving obstacles present themselves in every season, winter is by far the most dangerous, mainly because of its potential for snow. As such, Insurance Revolution has put together a handy guide outlining how to drive in snow and ice.

Wear comfortable dry shoes

If your shoes are wet from snow, changing into a dry pair before driving is a good idea so your feet will not slip on the pedals.

Accelerate slowly

It is important to pull away very gently in the snow to avoid wheel spin; it is often useful to start in second gear.

Leave large gaps

Stopping distances greatly increase in snowy weather, meaning you may need to leave up to 10 times the gap you would normally leave between you and the car in front.

When driving uphill

To avoid stopping halfway up the mountain, try to wait until it is clear of other cars before making the ascent. If that isn’t possible, leave a large gap between yourself and the car in front, keep a constant speed, and avoid changing gear.

When driving downhill

Again, leave a large gap between you and the car in front, reduce your speed before descending the hill and avoid braking, instead allowing your gears to slow you down.

If you go into a skid

Steer into it, keeping your wheels in the direction of the skid. If your vehicle is sliding to the left, steer gently to the left. Don’t take your hands off the wheel or brake sharply.

Keep a steady speed

Be careful to drive slow enough to avoid losing control but fast enough to avoid losing momentum. Keep everything as steady and smooth as possible.