Winter weather can make driving dangerous. When the weather turns bad and snow, ice or fog causes havoc on our roads the often-quoted advice is simple - stay at home.

This maybe wise but in reality it is not always practical. With a little common sense however, the dangers of driving during winter months can be kept to a minimum.

	Make sure your tyres, lights and windscreen wipers are in good condiion and fully operational. Also ensure your mobile phone is fully charged in case of emergencies.
	Where possible move off gently in second gear using as little revs as possible. This will help avoid wheel spin.
	When steering in such conditions you should turn the steering wheel gently and progressively. Never snatch at the wheel turning it sharply as this can cause you to skid and lose control.
	When accelerating, do so gently. Accelerate to harshly and your wheels will spin.
	Reduce your speed and avoid sudden braking. Whenever possible use your engine brake by changing down into lower gears.
	When driving through a bend, reduce your speed on the approach, but ensure you maintain a constant speed and a smooth line through the bend. As you drive out of the bend, you can increase the power. If it's slippery, leave accelerating until you are straightened up properly.
	Increase the gap between you and the vehicle in front. With snow and ice on the road stopping distance can increase 10 fold.
	If you find yourself skidding, take your foot off the pedals and steer into the skid.
	When driving downhill make sure you start the descent at a low speed, and don't allow your speed to build up. Using a low gear will enable the engine brake to assist in keeping your speed low.

Driving in heavy fog is like driving with a blindfold on and is statistically the most hazardous of driving conditions.

It is safest not to drive in these condition, but if you have to take into account the following:

	Take particular care when driving in fog, especially at night. Fog can be patchy, going from a light mist to a thick blanket in an instant. Obviously, the faster you drive in these conditions, the less time you will have to avoid danger
	As you enter fog, check your mirrors and slow down. Use your foot brake lightly so that your lights warn following drivers.
	Use dipped headlights and fog lights if visibility is reduced so you can be seen. But remember it's an offence to use high-intensity rear foglights in clear conditions (that is, if visibility is greater than 100 metres).
	Keep an eye on your speedometer because studies show that some drivers acclimate themselves to foggy conditions and unconsciously increase their speed over time. If you can see less than 12 metres ahead, your speed needs to be reduced to less than 30kmh.
	Use your windscreen wipers and demisters.
	Beware of other drivers who are not using their headlights.