Winter can be a dangerous time of the year in Guernsey as the nights draw in and the road conditions become more unpredictable.

So here are 6 great tips for safer winter driving in Guernsey.

Make sure your car is roadworthy before commencing your journey

It is imperative that you allow additional time before setting off on your journey to make sure your car is roadworthy. Even small things such as making sure the windscreen is clear of ice/snow and the interior is free of condensation will mean you can start the journey safely. Always check your tyres to make sure there is adequate tread and they are inflated correctly, and make sure all the lights are working correctly.

Leave extra time for your journey

When the weather conditions are poor its best to plan out a safe route in advance and to allow more time for your journey to avoid the need to rush.

Drive within the speed limit

It is important to remember that when driving during winter the road surface is likely to be wet and possibly icy. It can take your car up to 10 times longer to stop under these circumstances. So, always make sure you leave at least 7 car lengths when travelling at 30mph between you and the car in front.

Carry the correct equipment

During the winter it is best to stock up your car with the correct equipment just in case you get stuck in snow.

It is always useful when driving in extreme conditions to make sure you have a blanket and snow shovel as well as the normal emergency first aid kit and warning triangle. This could be useful if you get stranded or if you need to assist another motorist who has broken down.

Try to drive during daylight hours

Driving in the winter is hard enough with snowy, icy and rainy conditions so why make it harder driving in the dark where your visibility is decreased. During the winter its is best to drive in daylight hours to give you the safest journey possible. Throughout the winter season it gets darker earlier and this causes the temperature to drop earlier making water on the road freeze faster, so it is best to try and drive during day light hours where the roads are more visible.

Try to be aware of what is around you

When driving in winter conditions your visibility may be decreased due to snow fall, fog or rain so you won’t be able to see as much of the road as you would normally expect. It is best to have the radio off and your telephone on silent and ideally shut away in the glove box to avoid distractions and to allow you to concentrate 100% on the road in front of you.