His six tips to drive confidently in icy conditions are:
1. Check if your vehicle has ABS or ESP (new cars on the road have ABS. Not all have ESP). These systems require a different approach when driving in ice and snow, so use your car's manual for further information. 2. Ensure you have deicer and a scraper. Before setting off, make sure you clean any ice or condensation from all the windows so that your visibility is clear. Air conditioning is very good at demising a vehicle. 3. When you set off on level ground or downhill, consider using second gear, releasing the clutch and accelerating gently. Try to park and stop your vehicle where you don't have to start uphill. 4. As you drive, stay in higher gears to minimize the possibility of wheel spin. 5. Stopping distances are increased by up to 10 times in icy conditions, so leave more distance than usual between your car and the car in front. 6. If you car loses grip, take your foot off the accelerator, disengage the clutch and steer smoothly.
Being mentally prepared as well as having the right equipment is vital so think about the wintry conditions last year, what problems they caused you, and what you need to do to overcome them if they come this year.
