So, as we continue with Winter Awareness Week, here are a few key pieces of advice, along with links to information, to help keep everyone moving in this increasingly unpredictable season.

Snow and ice

• Always clear snow and ice from your vehicle before driving – snow sliding off the roof or bonnet could block your view and be a danger to yourself and other road users
• Avoid harsh steering, braking and acceleration, especially with the dangers of black ice
• Remember that even after gritting, ice and snow may still be present. It takes time for grit to take effect, especially if roads are quiet

Gritters

• You can follow our gritters in real time on our website – Gritting Routes
• Stay back from gritters and don’t overtake.
• Even when gritters have treated routes, ice can still form afterwards.

Fog

• Use dipped headlights and your fog lights – high beam does not make it easier to see
• Don’t speed up if visibility suddenly improves – more fog patches are likely

High winds

• High-sided vehicles have particular difficulties and may swerve suddenly due to severe gusts, especially along exposed sections of roads and bridges
• Keep a safe distance especially when passing a high-sided vehicle

Heavy rain

• Watch out for water ponding - if your vehicle loses grip, or begins to aquaplane, take your foot off the accelerator to slow down – do not use the brakes

Top tip: If you get stuck in a snowdrift, use the highest gear you can to move slowly backwards and forwards to try and get out.

For more information see:

Roads in Winter pages on the council website
Ready Scotland for advice on winter at home, travelling, at work and in the community
Driving in bad weather from Transport Scotland