Get yourself and your car into gear for winter driving

Cumbria Police are warning drivers to be prepared for winter Credit: ITV Border

Colder temperatures are on their way and it bring all kinds of driving hazards with it. Cumbria Police have issued their advice for drivers as winter weather approaches - be prepared.

  • Stop - Road and weather conditions may change. Be ready to slow down and take more care driving if you need to.

  • Look - Check your vehicle is ready for winter before your journey and always carry an emergency kit.

  • Listen - Check traffic and weather updates online or the radio.

  • Be prepared - Carry an emergency kit and ensure you have your charged mobile phone with you.

  • Be aware - in serve weather conditions, give response teams time and space to do their jobs.

Before each journey in severe weather:

  • Clean any snow and ice from all windows, lights and number plates. Make sure you can see clearly and be seen.

  • Make sure your mobile phone is fully charged – but don’t use while driving.

  • Take some food and a warm drink in a flask in case you get stuck. Don't forget to take any personal medication too.

  • Check and replace the anti-freeze in the radiator

  • Make sure your lights are clean and check the bulbs

  • Ensure your windscreen is clean

  • Replace the battery if it's not reliable

  • Ensure your tyres are correctly inflated and replace them before the tread has reached the legal minimum.

Ensure to check the windscreen wash and oil levels in your car Credit: PA

Finally, for your own safety and that of drivers around you - make sure to drive according to the road conditions.

  • Allow extra time and distance to brake as it can take ten times longer to stop.

  • Use the highest gear possible to avoid wheel spin

  • To brake without locking your wheels, get into a low gear earlier than normal, allow your speed to fall and use the brake pedal gently

  • Be wary of satellite navigation systems as they tend to direct you over high rural roads that are likely to be closed or particularly hazardous in winter

  • Do not assume that pedestrians have seen you. They may be elderly, young or not be able to hear you

  • Do not attempt to cross flooded roads if the water seems too deep

  • Drive slowly through water in first gear but keep the engine speed high by slipping the clutch - this will stop you from stalling

  • Test your brakes when you have driven through a flood before you drive again at normal speed