A ROAD safety charity has issued advice to Bolton motorists about driving in snow with the first falls of the winter expected.

The Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) chief examiner Peter Rodger warned that snow can come at any time.

Mr Rodger advises driver to play journeys thoroughly.

"Motorists should think about where they are going and what if will be like all the way along the journey," he said.

"If they can, they should avoid travelling on less-used roads or country lanes as these are less likely to be gritted.

"Windows and mirrors should be fully cleared before setting off. Also snow piled on the the roof and the bonnet of the car should be removed as it can blow on to the windscreen."

Mr Rodger said cars should be started gently from stationary and avoid high revs. If road conditions are very icy and, in manual cars, drivers should select a higher gear to avoid wheel spin.

Speed is an important factor in snow, he said. It's important not to drive too fast and risk losing control and not to drive so slowly that drivers risk losing momentum for getting up a slope.

"Drivers should at the very least double their stopping distance from the vehicle in front," said Mr Rodger. "Ideally they should lengthen it much more. This will give more time to slow down without relying on the brakes.

"Motorists should make sure they slow down sufficiently before reaching a bend so they have enough time to react to any hazards and so they do not skid. They should have finished slowing down before they start turning the steering wheel."

Mr Rodger said if drivers break down or have to pull over on a motorway or dual carriageway, they should leave their vehicle and stand to the safe side of it, but not in front of it, when waiting for help.