As the winter weather worsens, the likelihood of accidents occurring while driving in difficult conditions is sure to increase.

Icy roads are sure to pose a problem to drivers, even if they have been gritted. If you travel along a main road in order to get to work, chances are that it would have been well gritted the night before.

Winter weather will inevitably lead to an increase in claims, so be sure to shop around for a car insurance quote that suits you in order to prepare for the winter months.

When the weather makes driving conditions worse, it's vital that you plan your journey well in advance and are well prepared for any possible situation.

By following a few simple rules you can reduce your chance of an accident and avoid any run-ins with your car insurance provider:

• Try and leave a little earlier than you would on your usual routine - whether it's the school run or the drive to work.
• If you need to defrost your windscreen, stay with your vehicle at all times and avoid leaving the keys in the ignition. You run the risk of invalidating your car insurance if your vehicle is stolen while left unattended.
• Drive more carefully during difficult conditions; leave yourself extra distance between yourself and the car in front in case of sudden incidents ahead.
• When driving on slippery roads, bear in mind it will take up to ten times longer to stop, reduce your speed and leave yourself more time to slow down and stop.
• If you're driving in icy conditions - avoid braking sharply or accelerating quickly, and try and stay in a high gear in order to avoid wheel spin.
• If you find yourself skidding in difficult conditions - such as heavy rain or icy roads - remain calm and try and resist the urge to change direction or brake quickly. Focus instead on applying the brake gradually and easing off the accelerator.
• Take particular care when driving behind spreading vehicles or snow-clearing vehicles, and only overtake if it's safe to do so, taking care to avoid any remaining patches of snow.

If you have to make a journey in difficult conditions during the winter months, it is advisable to keep an emergency kit in the boot of your car in case of breakdown in difficult conditions.

These kits should include:

• Warm clothing and blankets
• High visibility clothing - you can buy high-visibility waterproof jackets for around 20 pounds.
• A mobile phone with a fully charged battery
• Food and bottled water - try and pack food such as cereal bars and dried fruit, as these are high-energy foods that could help sustain you if you're stranded for a long period of time.
• De-icer and an ice scraper
• A torch with fully charged batteries in case of breakdown during the night
• A spade, in case of breakdown in snowy conditions

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