For much of the UK, snow is a comparatively infrequent hazard. We might get a handful of days a year when the roads get a sprinkling, but it is not something that happens often enough to make most of us into experienced snow drivers. That is part of the reason that moderate snowfall, which would be shrugged off by many drivers in places like Scotland or Canada, can bring some areas of the UK to a standstill.

However, these seasonal problems can generally be minimised with a bit of forethought, and by absorbing a few basic principles.

The two main problems that arise in wintry conditions are a lack of adequate visibility and a lack of traction. Both present serious potential safety hazards.

It is essential to make sure that you clear all windscreens, windows and mirrors of dirt, ice, snow and condensation before driving. Ice should be cleared with a scraper, NOT by pouring warm water onto frozen windows, mirrors etc., as a sudden change in temperature will often cause glass to crack or shatter. Start your engine several minutes before you have to pull away, and give the vehicle’s heater a chance to warm the interior and the windows. This will lessen the amount of condensation that can form (and sometimes freeze) on the inside surfaces of windscreens. Covering your windscreen with a blanket or towel overnight is a good idea.

Snowy and icy conditions are often accompanied by fog. This is also a very serious hazard, and the correct precautions MUST always be applied when driving in fog. Dipped headlights should be used. Although instinct may suggest that full beam will allow you to see further, that is far from the reality. Full beam will simply illuminate the fog and reflect glare back at you, thus actually REDUCING visibility.

The other vital precaution in fog is to slow right down. This is an obvious rule, but it is the one that so many people fail to observe. Once again, then, DRIVE SLOWLY IN FOG.

Once we have ensured adequate visibility, the next hazard we encounter is the reduction in traction due to snow and/or ice. This doesn’t just increase the chances of skidding, and make braking more difficult – it can actually prevent you from beginning your journey at all. The moment your wheels begin to spin in snow, you have problems. Spinning wheels will smooth the surface even more, making traction even worse, and they can dig you in still deeper as they wear furrows into the snow and ice.

Engage your transmission slowly and carefully. In many cases it is wise to try pulling away in second gear instead of first, as that will reduce the tendency of the wheels to start turning too suddenly. Accelerate very gently, and if there is resistance from snow around the wheels then, if possible, shovel it clear before pulling away. If you can’t do that, then consider rocking the car by applying and releasing gentle acceleration using the accelerator and clutch, rather than simply depressing the pedal to accelerate more, which just increases the chance of wheel-spin.

It is a very good idea to get a small folding shovel to keep in the car. A square of hardboard or plywood can be used as a makeshift alternative. A couple of pieces of old carpet, or a small sack of grit or cat litter, can help provide traction if you really can’t get going. Simply put whichever you are using under, and in front, of the drive wheels, then apply gentle acceleration as before.

Once you do get moving, you should proceed steadily and carefully so you don’t spin your wheels or skid, thus losing traction. Drive in the highest gear that your car feels happy with.

When stopping or slowing, brake early and allow plenty of time and distance for stopping. This applies especially when approaching corners and bends – all of which should be taken very slowly and carefully.

If the worst happens, and you do find your vehicle in a rear wheel or “fishtail” skid, you should smoothly release the brakes if you have applied them, and ease off the accelerator while steering carefully INTO the skid – that is, steering in the direction that the rear is sliding.

This goes against instinct, but it is the approach generally accepted as giving the best chance for recovery of traction and control. If you panic and turn the wheel away from the direction of skid, it is possible that your vehicle will go into a completely uncontrollable spin.

Remember, this worst-case scenario can usually be avoided if you make sure that your tyres are in good order, and if you drive carefully at a speed that is appropriate to the conditions.