So the second day of the council’s annual Winter Awareness Week is focusing on driving in the winter.

Road conditions can be tricky, especially during periods of extreme weather. But our fleet of gritter drivers are out there during the worst of the weather, doing everything they can to make conditions as safe as possible.

For the fourth year in a row, we are providing a dedicated gritter tracking map on our website. This allows you to see, in real time, the routes our gritters are taking – and the names of the gritters which were chosen by local school pupils will also be on display.

Chair of South Lanarkshire Council’s Community and Enterprise Resources Committee, Councillor Robert Brown, said: “Hopefully people are now used to our gritter tracking map, which lets you see exactly where our gritting fleet is at any given point in the day.

“The dedicated drivers are out there no matter the road conditions, so although this is a fun and interactive way to keep in touch with what is going on, it also has a serious message.

“Our staff deserve a huge amount of credit for their hard work, professionalism and dedication.”

Driving always requires constant care and attention but during winter specific driving skills should also be used.

Councillor Brown added: “Today’s advice will hopefully make motorists realise that winter can bring about some very challenging driving conditions.

“Although our tips will of course come in handy, please make sure you always drive to the condition of the road.

“Depending on the severity of the weather, it may even be advisable to not use a vehicle at all unless the journey is an emergency or absolutely essential.

“Please be aware that the most important thing is to stay safe at all times.”

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 dangers of black ice
• Remember that even after gritting has taken place, ice and snow may still be present. It takes time for grit to take effect, especially if roads are quiet

Gritters:

• You can now follow our gritters in real time on our website – along with the names of the gritters which were chosen by local school pupils – Gritting Routes
• Stay back from gritters and don’t overtake
• Even after 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, as 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