Video: Tips for driving in winter conditions

New research suggests that 13.7 million drivers are not aware of what to do if their car goes into a skid with over a quarter likely to make their predicament worse by chosing the wrong course of action.

It is estimated that around 264,000 accidents could be caused this year by icy roads with a studies showing that 1.3 million drivers have had an accident in icy conditions in the past five years.

To illustrate the scale of the problem, Sainsbury’s car insurance conducted an experiment in which 12 drivers were taken to a skid-pan and tested on their winter driving abilities, including being tasked to drive in simulated winter driving conditions on a specialist track without any tuition. They were then taught how to control a car in a skid and re-tested.

The experiment found that 50% were unable to safely control the car in a skid prior to getting winter driving tuition, while afterwards 91% of drivers were able to safely control the skid.

TIPS FOR GETTING YOUR CAR THROUGH A SKID

•If roads are icy reduce your speed and join major routes as soon as possible

Skidding can be a big fear but driving slowly can prevent it – don’t brake or accelerate hastily, drop gears before applying brakes

•Lift your foot gently off the accelerator if you do skid. This will allow your car to slow smoothly and gently

If you need to continue driving then do so slowly using a high gear. This will help you avoid hard acceleration, which could spin the wheels.

• If there is no response when you turn the steering wheel and the car continues on ahead remove your foot from the accelerator. This throws the weight balance of the car forwards and helps the tyres find grip

Take care on motorways and dual carriageways – don’t let other drivers influence your speed and don’t hug the car in front

• Take extra care around large vehicles which may not see you

•Give motorcyclists and cyclists plenty of room

• If you get stuck in ice or snow make sure your handbrake brake is on – clear the area around the wheels and apply grit or salt around the slipping wheel – use low revs to gently move away. Taking off in second gear can provide more traction.