A REDDITCH-based driver development trainer said the current arctic temperatures means those taking car journeys need to have a heightened awareness.

Tony Wilson, a director of Driving Matters UK, said: “I have noticed around Redditch cars getting stuck on hills, such as Mount Pleasant, as drivers take the same routes home as they would normally.

“It is better to take a detour of two or three miles and keep moving continuously rather than clogging up the town.”

The 49-year-old, who teaches advanced driving and safety techniques to companies, said all road users should take some simple steps to avoid problems during the extreme winter weather.

He said: “In snow and ice it can take up to 10 times longer to stop so you need to leave plenty of distance from vehicles ahead of you. You should drive in as high a gear as possible in a manual car, and use traction control if your vehicle has it.

“Drivers should also accelerate as smoothly as possible and if you do get stuck don’t put your foot down but instead let the engine do the work and be gentle.

“Also try to use the engine to slow the car rather than the brake. It makes sense to use the gears.”

Mr Wilson, of Garway Close, Redditch, who has also taught many learner drivers in Redditch added that it is vital to leave plenty of extra time for journeys.

He said: “We don’t often get weather like this and the roads aren’t equipped for it, especially side roads. Also there are lots of younger drivers who have never seen weather like this before. I can only add that you shouldn’t make a journey unless it’s totally necessary and follow motoring organisations advice.”

More details of skills to be a safer driver are available at www.driving-matters.com.