Vehicle recovery and road safety organisation GEM Motoring Assist has offered some helpful tips to drivers on how best to tackle the torrid winter weather when taking to the roads over the coming months.

GEM road safety officer Neil Worth has compiled a series of FAQs regarding winter weather and revealed his top advice for remaining safe when out on the roads.

When faced with heavy rain, he advises reducing speed and leaving a larger gap to other road users, as stopping distances can be considerably increased in the wet.

Meanwhile, those who experience snow on the roads when out and about this winter will want to be prepared for the dangers of skidding.

In the event of this happening, drivers are advised to maintain a constant speed and to avoid excessive braking or turning of the wheel until they regain full control.

Finally, black ice can be a danger when the temperature plummets and therefore Mr Worth advises that the best way to deal with this hazard is to gently lift the foot off the accelerator when you feel your steering go light.

Allowing engine braking to slow you will help the wheels to regain full traction. Don’t ever be tempted to hit the brakes, this will only make the situation worse.

Ben Robb, brand manager at The Fuelcard People, adds: “Winter weather can be harsh and unpredictable; it’s therefore prudent that all drivers planning journeys over the coming season be prepared for whatever it is that Mother Nature will have to throw at them.”

Want to know how to prepare your vehicle for the winter? check out our Winter maintenance guide here