BUSINESS mobility specialist, Alphabet, has shared its top tips to help drivers stay safe on the roads this winter.

With the clocks soon changing, and the launch of a new campaign by Think! to raise awareness among drivers when driving on rural roads, simply going the extra mile and getting your vehicle ready for winter could help prevent serious incidents.

To ensure drivers keep moving safely this winter, Diarmuid Fahy, fleet risk services manager, at Alphabet has shared these ten top tips :

• The sun sits lower in the sky in winter, which can result in glare, as can snow, so don’t put away your sunglasses just yet!
• Ensure you don’t let your fuel drop to less than half full.  This will reduce condensation inside the tank and make vehicles easier to start on cold mornings
• A squirt of water dispersant (WD-40) in locks will help stop them freezing
• Ensure you have got enough petrol or diesel in case of unexpected delays
• Check your tyres are inflated correctly and have an adequate tread depth. Tyre pressures should be checked at least fortnightly
• Road salt commonly used during winter can damage car paint. Rinsing it off every once in a while can help
• When the road is wet, it can take up to twice as long to stop. Slow down and ensure the correct distance is kept from the vehicle in front
• If your vehicle loses its grip or “aquaplanes” take your foot off the accelerator to slow down. Don’t brake or steer suddenly as in this situation you have no control over steering or brakes
• Clear snow off the whole vehicle before you start your journey: It is actually illegal to drive with poor visibility, so just clearing a little space on your windscreen isn’t enough
• Keep a winter ready kit in your car including: blanket, bottled water, coat, scarf and gloves, first aid kit, ice scraper, de-icer, torch and extra screen wash, ensuring you are ready for all eventualities

Commenting on the tips, Diarmuid said: “Business’s have a duty of care to ensure employees stay safe on the roads.

“As a country, Britain is notoriously bad at preparing for unexpected weather, simply by taking a few precautions and planning ahead, companies can ensure their business remains mobile, regardless of the weather conditions.”