Motorists have been urged to take care behind the wheel this weekend as the Met Office issue a particularly uncommon weather warning for parts of the UK.
The weather organisation has issued a yellow warning for snow and ice in parts of the North West and Scotland which could bring freezing rain to the area during the weekend.
To help drivers stay safe, James Harding, tyre specialist at the retailer Blackcircles, has recommended that drivers follow a number of tips when taking to the roads.
He advised: “Driving in the snow and rain can be challenging, even for the most confident drivers. Slippery roads, poor visibility, and unpredictable weather mean you need to take extra care.
“Whilst we recommend avoiding journeys where you can, we know that some cannot be avoided. With this in mind, we have offered our top tips on driving in unpredictable weather conditions.”
In particular, Blackcircles recommended that drivers ensure that they have good visibility of their surroundings by checking their wiper blades before setting off.
Depending on how much they are used, windscreen wiper blades typically last for between six to 12 months, with worn blades making a squealing noise as they cover the screen and leaving streak marks.
Checking that all of the lights on the vehicle are working can also help drivers avoid having limited visibility when travelling in poor weather conditions.
James also suggested that drivers should keep to a slow and steady pace during the weekend, particularly when taking corners or at junctions.
He added: “To avoid skidding, reduce your speed, maintain a safe following distance, and steer smoothly. Avoid sudden braking or acceleration, and if you do skid, gently steer in the direction you want to go while easing off the accelerator.
“Properly maintained tyres also play a crucial role in preventing skids. If you experience aquaplaning, and lose control of your car, ease off the accelerator, steer gently in the direction you intend to travel, and avoid sudden braking.”
Finally, Blackcircles urged drivers planning to make journeys in poor weather conditions to maintain a much longer distance from other road users they are following.
Whilst many drivers are aware that they should leave a two-second gap behind the vehicle in front, this figure should be increased to ten times the amount when travelling in the ice.
This will allow drivers to spot any sudden scenarios in restricted visibility easily and have more time to brake on the slippery road surface.
