Cold-weather driving calls for caution

Young people are among those least prepared for winter driving, according to a survey from satellite navigation manufacturer Garmin.

Young people are among those least prepared for winter driving, according to a survey from satellite navigation manufacturer Garmin. The company revealed that 57 percent of 18-24-year-olds said they were unprepared for winter driving, despite being the ones likely to cover the most ground.

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That’s compared to an average of 34 percent across all age ranges that said that they were unprepared, with men slightly more likely to have taken precautions for driving than women. But prevention is better than cure, so here are some useful tips for driving in snow and cold weather:

-Before you set off, make sure windows and lights are clear, and remove snow from the roof of the car.

-Check the battery, anti-freeze and tire pressure of your car.

-Pack an emergency kit, with ice scraper and de-icer if you’re going to a hilly area, a torch and batteries, warm clothes and blankets, boots, a first aid kit, jump leads, a shovel, and an atlas.

-If you get yourself into a skid the main thing to remember is to take your foot off the pedals and steer.

-Avoid using the brake if you can help it — make sure you have lost enough speed before corners and hills so that you don’t need to try to slow down.