Do you know how to handle a skid in snow?

Winter driving greatly increases the risk of a car skidding on ice or snow, yet nine out of 10 drivers in the UK does not know how to deal with this potentially dangerous situation.

When asked, 36 per cent of drivers said they had no idea how to cope with a skidding car, while 56pc said they did but then gave the wrong answer. Only 8pc of those questioned in the Flexed survey answered correctly.

Just as much of a concern is the number of driver who would use the incorrect techniques to cope with a skid.

Many said they would brake heavily or turn the front wheels more, which could both make the situation much worse.

Flexed’s Mark Hall said: “It’s so easy to drive in a cocoon with your music player and sat-nav system to keep you company and that means millions of drivers just don’t adapt to wet or icy conditions. It means accidents and breakdowns that can cost a small fortune to put right.”

He added: “We’re a pretty complacent lot when it comes to winter driving. Far too many people think the rescue services like the AA or RAC will be there if things go wrong, and they’re far too willing to tempt fate through lack of preparation.’

If your car starts to skid in snow these steps should help:

• Do not use the brake

• Take your foot off the accelerator

• Steer into the direction of the skid. For example, if your car skids to the right, steer your car to the right.