As it is getting colder and we are set to get snow and ice in Northern Ireland, it's important to stay safe on the roads.
Co Down driving instructor Dawn McKay of U-Drive has shared important tips to help you if you have to drive in these weather conditions.
She said: "Here are a few tips from myself to keep the roads a little safer and to remind you of the dos and don'ts.
"Let's have a safe few days on our roads."
Dawn's top tips for driving safely in the snow and ice
- Only drive if necessary and leave extra time for your journey.
- Prepare your vehicle before driving - clean headlights, put water in washers, have de-icer, extra clothes blankets, wellington, boots,torch fully charged phone and tow rope etc in case of emergencies.
- Think, 'do I have enough fuel for the journey?' Remember with new restrictions many shops close at 8pm!
- Think, 'how is the tyre tread?'
- Ensure snow is cleared off roof, windows and mirrors etc before beginning your journey.
- Drive slowly, using the highest gear possible with low revs.
- Avoid harsh acceleration and braking.
- Braking distance in snow and ice can be ten times your normal braking distance!
- Stay well back from the vehicle in front of you.
- Visibility can be reduced, so use dipped headlights.
- If you find the car starting to skid, do NOT slam on brakes. Gently ease off accelerator and steer into skid. For example, if the rear of car is sliding to the right, gently steer to the right.
- All controls in the vehicle - the brakes, accelerator and even changing gear - must be used smoothly and slowly.
- Keep your radio down low or off, as when driving in snow or ice hearing your surroundings can help you deal with the situation.
- On snow patches, you will hear more tyre noise with the crunch of the snow. If the tyre noise suddenly drops, it can mean you are driving on a patch of ice.
Dawn added: "Don't learn road safety by accident."
