Top tips for driving in snow

The Institute of Advanced Motorists today issued advice for drivers faced with encountering the first snows of the winter on Scotland’s roads.

A motorist faces a snowy A823 in Fife. Picture: Hemedia

If you can, avoid travelling on quieter roads or country lanes as these are less likely to be gritted.

• Don’t forget to clear off snow piled on the roof and bonnet as it can fall and blow on to the windscreen or the vehicle behind.

• Start your car gently from stationary and avoid high revs.

If road conditions are icy and you drive a manual car, move off in a higher gear rather than first gear. Stay in a higher gear to avoid wheel spin.

• Never drive too fast that you risk losing control, but avoid driving so slowly that you risk losing momentum, especially when driving up a slope.

• Double your stopping distance from the vehicle in front of you.

This will give you more time to slow down without relying on your brakes.