Drivers are being urged to take extra care this Christmas as Britain's road network prepares for the onslaught of holiday traffic.
As many as 12 million motorists are expected to hit the roads in the next few days and the majority look set to encounter snow and icy conditions that could pose a risk to safety.
The Institute of Advanced Motorists said a lot of drivers lack the skills and experience to handle such situations, prompting the group to reiterate its winter driving advice.
Chief examiner Peter Rodger said motorists should allow extra time to stop and avoid travelling too close to the vehicle in front in order to reduce the risk of accidents.
Regular checks on lights, tyres and windscreens should also be carried out, but drivers should resist being over-cautious, he warned.
"In snow, you should drive slowly enough so you can stop, but also fast enough to give you the all-important momentum to deal with hills so you can avoid sliding back and getting stuck," Mr Rodger said.
According to Trafficmaster, the build-up of commercial, commuter and leisure traffic could cause chaos on the roads this Christmas, making transport planning essential.
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