The Government has urged motorists across the UK to keep three items inside their car boot in order to stay prepared for any emergencies during Easter.
Despite many parts of the UK experiencing spells of warm and dry weather, some have suggested that areas of the country, including Scotland, could experience an Arctic blast before the Easter weekend.
To prevent the risk of drivers being stranded at the roadside, the Government’s ‘Prepare’ blog post recommends that motorists in affected areas keep three items in their vehicle’s boot.
They advised: “Pack a few essential items in your car boot to make sure you’re ready in case of getting stuck in wintry weather.
“This can include a torch, in-car phone charger, warm clothes and blankets, high-visibility clothing, jump leads, food and drink, and a shovel for snow. It can also be helpful to keep a first aid kit in your car.”
In the event that a vehicle gets stuck in snowy weather, it is vital that the driver and all passengers are able to stay as comfortable as possible whilst they are waiting for help to arrive.
As a result, it is a good idea to pack a warm outfit for each occupant in the boot before heading out on long journeys, including items such as a thick jumper and waterproof coat.
High-visibility clothing items, such as a vest, could also help reduce the risk of accidents in the event of a breakdown at night or a badly-lit area.
The blog post also suggests that drivers keep a pair of electronic items inside their vehicle, which could help them attract help if they find themselves stranded.
In particular, an in-car phone charger can be particularly handy on long-distance road trips, especially if motorists need to use their smartphone to navigate during the journey.
A torch with a fresh set of batteries could also help drivers flag down other road users if they happen to break down in an area with limited phone signal.
Finally, the Government suggested that motorists in an area where snow is a possibility put a shovel inside their car before making long journeys, particularly those that use quiet countryside roads.
Despite being a particularly bulky item, drivers with a shovel in their car will quickly be able to clear the snow from around the tyres – helping them release their stranded vehicle.
A shovel could also help motorists clear away any mud if they find themselves stuck in a wet field, along with gentle acceleration in a high gear.