Before setting off, drivers should clear all snow from the windows, mirrors, roof and bonnet of their car to stop it obscuring their view.
Cars should be started gently. If roads are icy and a manual car is being driven, motorists should move off in a higher gear rather than first gear to avoid wheel spin.
Here are some top tips for driving in the winter
Make sure you can see
As mentioned above, by law, you must drive with clear windows, so remove all ice and snow before getting in.
Make sure that all your lights are clean and number plates are clearly visible and legible.
You should also ensure your windows are properly demisted and all mirrors are clear and make sure there is no snow on the roof of your car that could fall into the path of other road users.
It is also advisable to check your planned route is clear of delays and that no further snowfalls or severe weather are predicted.
Make some space
Keep well back from the driver in front as stopping distances can be ten times greater on icy roads than on dry ones.
Take care when overtaking vehicles spreading salt or other de-icer, especially on a bicycle or motorbike.
Be prepared for road conditions to change over relatively short distances and listen to travel bulletins that might provide information about conditions up ahead.
Avoid braking suddenly
Sudden actions could cause loss of control when driving.
Instead, you should drive at a slow speed in a high gear and accelerate and brake very gently.
You should drive particularly slowly around corners and try to steer smoothly round the bend.