I’m a driving expert and people always forget this advice when travelling in snow – it could have serious consequences

SNOW has blanketed the North this morning and another two inches are on the way as temperatures are set to drop to -8C.

With yellow warnings for ice, snow and hail and a wintry Arctic air sweeping in, driving conditions can be tough.

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Here Seb Goldin, CEO of RED Driving School has given some top tips to make sure you drive safely while the UK is hit by the white stuff.

Invest in all season tyres

All season car tyres combine the best properties of summer and winter tyres to create an all-round performance tyre.

By investing in them early, you can avoid the hassle and cost of changing between summer and winter tyres. 

If you live in a part of the country that’s especially prone to harsh weather and slippery conditions, we’d recommend using Michelin CrossClimate tyres.

Don’t Rush

Allow plenty of time for your journey and make sure your car engine is warmed up before you embark. 

Ensure you have de-iced the vehicle thoroughly and you can see clearly through all windows in your vehicle before you set off. 

If a layer of snow or ice has developed on the roof, be sure to clear as much as possible before beginning your journey.

Slow down

Road experience aside, no-one has the skill to drive at speed on an icy road – it’s simply not possible. 

High speeds can make your vehicle difficult to control and even more difficult to stop. 

Only drive on ice if your journey requires it – when the weather is treacherous, it’s best to stay off the roads.

Take it up a gear

If you have no option but to drive on icy surfaces (and particularly set off on ice), you might find it beneficial to drive in a higher gear, as this can help your tyres to grip to the ice.

Give it space

In snow and ice, stopping distances can be up to 10 times more than usual, so leave a large gap between the vehicles in front and be sure to go slowly. 

If traffic in front of you starts to slow, gently apply your brakes, as slamming them on can cause you to lose control.

Stay calm in a skid

If your car begins to skid, press down on the clutch and turn the steering wheel into the direction of the skid. 

As you start to straighten up, steer along the road. It’s important you resist the temptation

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