Be ready for the worst.

It's most drivers' worst nightmare to have to drive in really bad weather.

Along with the fear of having an accident is the frustration with the delays that result. If you must travel in very bad weather, taking a few simple steps should increase your chances of getting where you want and home again safely.

Firstly, make sure that your car is well-maintained and that you have planned your route carefully. Give yourself an extra half an hour or so to get to your destination, as the likelihood of delays increases dramatically in bad weather. It is also advisable to check the latest weather forecast before you leave.

During the winter, especially, it is a good idea to keep a breakdown kit, which includes warning triangle, torch and blanket in your car in case of an emergency. Make sure you have your membership details for your breakdown service in your glove compartment.

The first fall of snow is very dangerous, as the roads may not have been gritted in preparation, so you should take special care if you are out driving when it starts to snow. Once gritted, there should be enough grip for careful driving, but it's when snow becomes compacted and refrozen overnight that the greatest care must be taken. Ungritted roads will become impassable by most vehicles and even gritted surfaces can remain extremely slippery.

As soon as you get in your vehicle when it has been snowing, clear snow from all your windows and windscreen just before driving off. It is important that you check that your lights, mirrors, and number plates are clear too.

When you first set off in the snow or ice you should check your grip on the road surface by choosing a safe place to brake gently. In icy conditions skids are likely when you go round bends, so you should brake progressively on the straight before you reach a bend.

If you have difficulty getting traction in a front-drive car, gently rock the steering wheel from side to side, keeping the accelerator steady, which should help your tyres to grip.

If you get caught in a heavy snowdrift it is a good idea to follow the tracks that have been made by the vehicles in front, and drive slowly, allowing much more room to slow down and stop. You should also use the highest possible gear and avoid sudden acceleration and braking.

If you are unlucky enough to become stranded in snow, you should stay in your car unless shelter is within easy reach. Use the engine to keep the heater working but make sure your exhaust isn't blocked with snow, as you will run the risk of suffocation from a build-up of carbon monoxide. In deep drifts, open the window slightly and keep the roof clear of snow.

Ice is even more dangerous, especially black ice, which is almost invisible to the eye. Black ice can linger in the shadows cast by trees and buildings throughout an otherwise sunny day. If there has been a sharp frost overnight, be extremely careful, especially when driving through shadows that keep the sun off corners and roundabouts.