With temperatures expected to drop as low as -4 °c this weekend, here is the Met Office's top tips for safe travel in icy conditions. 

Before you leave: 

• Make sure you have warm clothes, food, water, boots, a torch and spade in your car before setting off, 
• Plan your route and check for delays and road closures, 
• Check your wipers, tyres and screen wash before setting off, 
• Let someone know your expected arrival time and the route you plan to take, 
• If possible, wait until the roads have been gritted before you set off, 
• Put grit or cat litter on paths and driveways to lessen the risk of slipping on your way to your vehicle. 

While you're driving: 

• Take care around gritters and do not be tempted to overtake them, 
• Drive slowly – it can take ten times longer to stop in snowy or icy conditions so allow extra stopping space, 
• Use the highest gear possible to avoid wheel spin, 
• Manoeuvre gently and avoid harsh breaking and acceleration, 
• If you start to skid, gently ease off the accelerator and avoid breaking, 
• When breaking, pump the breaks rather than slam them on, 
• If you get stuck, stay with your car and tie something brightly coloured to your aerial, 
• Be aware of black ice – it isn't always visible and so can be an even greater hazard for both motorists and pedestrians. Black ice can form when rain or drizzle fall on a road surface that is below zero degrees, 
• Keep up to date with local travel advice, 
• Don't take unnecessary risks and only travel if essential. 

To keep up to date on the latest advice, check the Met Office website.