WITH hazardous driving conditions across Oxfordshire today, drivers have been urged to avoid taking to the roads if possible.

Rural routes in particular have been badly affected by the snow, with freezing conditions and the possibility of more snow likely to last until this afternoon.

The Met Office currently has an amber weather warning in place for snow across central and southern Oxfordshire until 11am.

Oxford Mail:

Read also: SNOW: Weather alert issued for Oxfordshire

If you are forced to travel, however, then the AA has issued the following tips for driving in wintry conditions.

  • Accelerate and decelerate slowly. Applying the gas slowly to accelerate is the best method for regaining traction and avoiding skids. Don’t try to get moving in a hurry. And take time to slow down for a stoplight. Remember: It takes longer to slow down on icy roads.
  • Drive slowly. Everything takes longer on snow-covered roads. Accelerating, stopping, turning – nothing happens as quickly as on dry pavement. Give yourself time to maneuver by driving slowly.
  • The normal dry pavement following distance of three to four seconds should be increased to eight to ten seconds. This increased margin of safety will provide the longer distance needed if you have to stop.

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  • Know your brakes. Whether you have antilock brakes or not, the best way to stop is threshold breaking. Keep the heel of your foot on the floor and use the ball of your foot to apply firm, steady pressure on the brake pedal.
  • Don’t stop if you can avoid it. There’s a big difference in the amount of inertia it takes to start moving from a full stop versus how much it takes to get moving while still rolling. If you can slow down enough to keep rolling until a traffic light changes, do it.
  • Don’t power up hills. Applying extra gas on snow-covered roads just starts your wheels spinning. Try to get a little inertia going before you reach the hill and let that inertia carry you to the top. As you reach the crest of the hill, reduce your speed and proceed down hill as slowly as possible.
  • Don’t stop going up a hill. There’s nothing worse than trying to get moving up a hill on an icy road. Get some inertia going on a flat roadway before you take on the hill.
  • Stay home. If you really don’t have to go out, don’t. Even if you can drive well in the snow, not everyone else can. Don’t tempt fate: If you don’t have somewhere you have to be, watch the snow from indoors.

Last week Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue service gave tips on driving in extreme conditions.

Oxfordshire County Council Fire and Rescue Service's road safety manager, Andy Ford, said: “Plan ahead, monitor the weather forecasts and weather warning in your area.

“Take into account potentially longer travel times and be prepared for delays and disruption.

"Ensure your car has enough oil and water, check your windscreen wipers and washer bottle, clear all your windows so you can see and make sure that your battery is in good condition.

“And it's also very important to check your tyres are in good condition and have more than the minimum tread depth.

“Remember to drive to the conditions; stopping distances can be more than ten times longer on snow and ice."

Read again: Battling the 'Beast From The East' - behind the scenes with Oxfordshire's gritting team

If you have to travel, keep the following items in your car in case you get stuck.

ice scraper

de-icer

blanket

jump leads

shovel

decent footwear

first aid kit

hazard warning triangle

torch

high visibility jacket