Winter will soon be upon us and that means one thing, an increased risk of snow and ice and the need for motorists to be prepared for all the UK's colder months will have to throw at them.

As such, the Department for Transport has published a number of new fact sheets aimed at educating all road users regarding the important steps they can take to improve their road safety over the coming winter months, as well as the essential items they should pack in their vehicle at all times in order to be prepared for the worst.

Packing a winter car kit should be a top priority for vehicle owners, with the essentials it should contain including an ice scraper and de-icer spray, a pair of heavy boots, a first aid kit, jump leads, a shovel, warm clothes and a blanket, sunglasses in case of dazzle from snow and a fully-charged mobile phone in case of emergencies.

In addition, motorists should ensure they have a flask with a hot beverage and a stash of snacks in the car with them when taking to the roads when the weather is particularly bad, as being stranded on the road as a result of a breakdown with nothing to keep your spirits up can be an extremely harrowing experience.

Meanwhile, drivers should take the time to carry out regular inspections on the state of their vehicle over the coming months, as ensuring the car is operating at its best is a sensible measure to reduce the likelihood of vehicles suffering a breakdown when the temperatures begin to plummet.

This means focusing on the ability to both see and be seen – ensuring windscreen washer fluid levels are topped up, that windows can be quickly de-misted and all lights are in working order – as well as regularly examining the state of one's tyres, looking at both tread depth and their general condition.

Finally, drivers should ensure their vehicle is able to start even on the coldest of mornings and that means checking the battery to ensure it is holding its charge well and that all connections are clean and well maintained.

Drivers taking to the roads over the coming months are also likely to come across adverse weather and this means individuals need to have the necessary knowledge and skills to cope.

Common hazards faced during the winter months include driving in icy conditions and the AA advises motorists to remember that stopping distances can be up to ten times further than in the dry when the roads are icy.

As a result, travellers need to have their wits about them at all times and plan further ahead when contemplating carrying out a manoeuvre.

When faced with a slippery hill climb, motorists are advised to be patient, as it can be difficult to get going again if one has to stop halfway up. As a result, the AA advises that in cases such as this, drivers wait until they can have a clear run up a hill, ensuring they maintain their momentum to make it to the top.

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