Ice makes drivers prone to skidding and many are caught out because they fail to 'read the road.'

What causes a skid? Many people blame poor road conditions, but that isn't true; a skid is almost always the result of a driver's actions.

If you have ever been in a skid, you were probably either changing speed or direction, or both, just before you started skidding.

The forces that can break the grip of the tyres on the road and cause a skid are: excessive speed for the conditions; coarse steering; braking suddenly, or heavy acceleration.

You can minimise the risk of skidding by noting the road conditions.

When the roads are slippery, use the controls brakes, steering, and accelerator gently, to avoid skidding: it's far easier to avoid a skid than correct one.

If you do start to skid, your first action should be to remove the cause.

If excessive speed is the cause take your foot off the accelerator and steer smoothly in the direction of the skid until the tyres regain their grip, then steer back onto your intended course.

In icy or wet conditions, get into the habit of doubling your normal following distance.