The snow if finally here. To begin with it’s an amazing thing to see, lots of white fields, houses and roads, children playing and building snowmen then the reality sets in. After a few days you begin to realize that this could be a bit of a nightmare. It’s on the news every night and they are telling you to avoid going out unless you really have to.

You may have even see an accident or two or some near misses. For many people the idea of taking the car out and about in such freezing conditions doesn’t even enter their head. You would be a lot safer staying where you are in the warmth of your own home. This is easily done as many people do not have an understanding boss that will enable them to take time off until it is safe to come in.

If you do have to make an important journey there are a few things that you might be able to do in order to keep the risk of a road traffic accident down to a minimum.

Defrost you car

This might sound obvious but how many times have you seen a person driving around whilst looking out of a small defrosted section in the bottom corner of their windscreen whilst leaning forward to get a better view? Take the time to clear it properly, driving in poor conditions is challenging enough so don’t make it harder for yourself.

Give yourself enough time

Make sure you have allowed plenty of time to get to and from you destination. You don’t need the hassle of running late pushing you to make risking decisions or drive at high speeds. Drive slowly and in a high gear to ensure that you have the best grip of the road.

Be prepared

Many people will set out with out the fundamental things that they need encase of a break down. You should have with you, at the very least an ice scraper for clearing ice from the car, de-icer to unfreeze parts that will freeze over, a small shovel to dig out the wheels if necessary and mobile phone to call from help if you become stranded or stuck.

Just thinking about other tools and equipment that you might need will help you get to you destination in one piece and ensure that it causes you as little disruption and grief as possible.