Safety must be put before punctuality during bad weather, therefore employers and employees should take extra time when driving in bad weather conditions.

• Allow ten minutes extra to prepare the car
• Clear all windows of snow or ice using a scraper and de-icer
• Don't drive off until you have good all-round vision
• Use water-repellent spray on door locks and then oil them
• Use a cigarette lighter to warm a key for a frozen lock.  Don't breathe on the lock - it will just freeze
• Hand-brake cables can freeze but leaving the hand-brake off can be dangerous.  Leave it to thaw or call out a garage   

A little chilly?

Stopping distances are ten times longer in ice and snow, so gentle manoeuvres are the key to safe driving in heavy snow.

• Wear comfortable, dry shoes 
• Select second gear when pulling away - ease your foot off the clutch gently to avoid wheel-spin
• Try to maintain a constant speed.  Choose the most suitable gear in advance to avoid having to change down while climbing a hill
• When driving downhill, choose third or fourth gear to prevent skidding
• Always apply brakes gently.  Release them and de-clutch if the car skids
• If you get stuck - straighten the steering and clear the snow from the wheels.  Put a sack or old rug in front of the driving wheels to give the tyres some grip.  Once on the move again, try not to stop until you reach firmer ground.