Whilst the recent frosty roads and snowfall make for beautiful scenery, wintry weather also makes driving far more difficult and dangerous for even the most experienced drivers.

The increased risk of accidents and breakdowns, caused by conditions such as ice, snow and darker days, is not only a concern for personal safety: this could also result in new claims having to be made on your car insurance and therefore more expensive quotes in the future.

To help drivers be better prepared for driving in cold weather and reduce the risk of accidents, the experts at Rooster Insurance, an app-based car insurance provider for good drivers, have shared some top tips for driving safely this winter.

1. Be prepared for the journey.

First things first, it is important to prepare for your journey and do so diligently. Even if you are just popping to the local shop, pay close attention to the route of your journey and, if there are alternative routes available, try to avoid any exposed country roads.

You can also expect journeys in wintry weather to take longer than usual, both because congestion on roads is likely and driving more slowly is far safer in such conditions, so allow yourself more time to complete the journey.

Regardless of the length of your journey, it is a good idea to prepare an emergency kit to keep in your car for icy weather. This kit should include winter driving essentials such as a de-icer, an ice scraper, water, a torch, jump leads and don’t forget a portable phone charger too.

2. Check your engine.

Before you start driving in snowy conditions, it is important to make sure that not only are you prepared for the journey, but that your car is too. When checking your engine, it is a good idea to consider changing your oil as this can reduce the risk of engine damage.

You can also mitigate the risk of damage by adding anti-freeze to the water in the engine’s cooling system – combining anti-freeze with water reduces the chances of a frozen or cracked engine.

3. Remember, slow and spacious.

When it comes to driving in the snow or on icy roads, there are two key phrases to remember: drive slowly and allow space on the roads.

Particularly when you are driving uphill, keep as much space as possible between yourself and other cars on the road – this will help you to maintain a steady speed without having to suddenly change gears.

Stopping distances for cars can be ten times slower in icy conditions too, so make sure to drive slowly and carefully to avoid losing control of your vehicle.

4. Keep windscreens clear.

Before you set off, make sure your windscreen is clean and clear. A common mistake that many drivers make when trying to melt ice is pouring boiling water directly on to their windscreen - this can cause your windscreen to crack so is something to be avoided. Instead, opt for useful tools such as de-icer and an ice scraper to clean your windows and, if you do need to use any water, allow time for the water to cool after boiling before pouring onto the windscreen.

Another top tip is to ensure that your engine is topped up with shop bought screen wash.

5. Stay alert on slippery roads.

The icier a road, the more slippery it is, a fact which is very daunting for many drivers. As skidding is more common in such conditions, pay close attention to your steering and brakes – make sure both are as gentle as possible to avoid harsh movements or sudden jolts on the road.

n Rooster Insurance is a brand-new way for drivers to buy car insurance. Drivers download the Rooster Insurance app, drive around for about three weeks, then get a premium based primarily on their driving behaviour. Visit joinrooster.co.uk