The first thing to remember is to keep calmand not get angry or panic. If you do have to drive a long distance in snowy oricy conditions then prepare for the trip in advance and read up on how to driveyourself out of a skid or a slide on ice or water. Prepare the car by loadingup on blankets, a snow shovel and bottles of water and make sure your documents are with you. It's a very good idea to take out if you haven't already gotthis.

If you find yourself in a small fenderbender try not to lose your temper, even if the other person was in the wrong.The roads are slippery and driving conditions are far from ideal, while driversare stressed and often in a hurry, so accidents are likely to happen.

Public transport will be the best way toget around. For trips to the store and even for longer trips to the city forChristmas ,consider taking a train or a bus. Fewer cars on the road mean less chances foraccidents, and also keeping your car indoors means less exposure to the icyweather and less wear and tear and road salt build up on the under carriage.

If you must drive, then stay alert anddrive slowly and carefully. And relax; Christmas is a time of joy and goodwill, so stay in the spirit of the season, even in awkward moments in traffic.