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Winter driving checklist – emergency kit

The UK’s road network always struggles to cope when the worst winter weather hits. Even if you feel your car can cope, there’s every chance you could get stuck behind others.

We’ve seen the first flurries of snow this winter, but there’s still plenty of time for more serious weather to arrive.

So don’t be caught cold – make sure you pack the following in your car so you are prepared for the worst. At best, you’ll never have to use any of it, but you could end up being really grateful if you’re waiting at the side of a road in a blizzard.

Below are items that should be in your emergency kit:

• Ice scraper and de-icer
• Torch and spare batteries – or a wind-up torch
• Warm clothes and blankets – for you and all passengers
• Boots
• First aid kit
• Jump start cables
• Food and a warm drink in a thermos
• Shovel
• Reflective warning sign
• Road atlas
• Sunglasses, because the low-hanging sun and glare off the snow can be dazzling
• Mobile phone charger

Remember, if the weather’s really bad, only attempt to travel if it’s absolutely unavoidable.