The Met Office has issued Amber snow and ice warnings for Thursday across the UK (today), with travel disruption expected.

Whilst they have advised against travelling in these conditions, experts at Swansway Motor Group have provided their top tips for driving in the snow and ice for those who must travel.

Black ice is deceptive, dangerous and often invisible to drivers

Swansway Motor Group experts advise that motorists are particularly vigilant in shaded areas such as tunnels and beneath overpasses, where black ice is common.

Highlighting that if you encounter black ice, you should avoid sudden movements, such as breaking harshly and aggressive steering adjustments.

Instead, gently lift off the accelerator and keep the steering wheel steady, allowing your vehicle to pass over the ice safely.

Advising that driving in winter conditions, especially black ice, requires preparation and caution, Swansway experts recommend that drivers reduce their speed and increase their following distance in icy conditions. This provides additional reaction time if the car in front loses control or if you encounter black ice yourself.

Proper vehicle maintenance is also key in preventing accidents in wintery conditions

Reminding motorists to stay calm if they do hit a patch of black ice, as panicked reactions can lead to a loss of control, smooth measured movements is the best way to manoeuvre over black ice safely.

When it comes to snow on the road, Swansway experts recommend driving in a higher gear as this will reduce wheel spin, allowing your car to effectively navigate slippery surfaces.

Proper vehicle maintenance is also key in preventing accidents in wintery conditions. Ensuring your tyres have adequate tread and pressure for winter conditions, a well-maintained vehicle is more capable of handling the challenges posed by black ice.

"We encourage drivers to stay informed about the weather conditions, especially in winter. Foreknowledge of icy conditions allows for better preparation and safer driving decisions. Sometimes, the safest decision might be to avoid driving until conditions improve."

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