HITCHIN: With the New Year set to bring harsher weather, Hertfordshire Constabulary have shared three ways motorists can keep safe.

Officers in North Herts are urging extra caution when driving over the coming months, following the onset of winter weather.

With continuing dark nights and deteriorating weather, motorists need to think about adapting the way they drive to match the road conditions.

The risk of collisions and bumps can be reduced by driving slower, increasing the distance between the car in front and by following the other guidelines included below.

Chief Inspector for North Herts, Jon Roche said: "Every time you get into your car you're accepting a huge amount of responsibility, not just for your safety, but for your passengers and all other road users and pedestrians.

"Shorter daylight hours and bad weather make driving conditions more difficult.

"We would urge motorists to adjust their driving to suit all conditions and to think carefully about the way they drive.

"It is also important that all motorists take a few minutes each week to do simple safety checks on their vehicles.

"Unroadworthy vehicles can cause accidents at any time and during adverse weather conditions these vehicles come under greater pressure."

It is also important that all road users take care of their cars, making sure their vehicles are in first-class condition and that all windows and lights are kept clean and unobstructed.

Here are three helpful driving tips to keep you safe:

Wet weather

In wet weather stopping distances are double that of dry roads so keep well back from the vehicle in front.

Headlights must be used when visibility is seriously reduced, particularly when it is fewer than 100 metres.

Turn on the windscreen wipers when overtaking as spray can be thrown up from the vehicle in front obscuring the windscreen.

Icy and snowy weather

In icy weather stopping distances can be 10 times greater than dry roads.

Watch out for gritters and other vehicles that can throw out grit or snow on either side.

Be prepared for road conditions to change over a short distance.

Drive slowly in as high a gear as possible, accelerating and braking gently. Go especially slowly on bends.

Remember the low sun can dazzle and also when reflected off the ice.

Fog

Remember to use your headlights.

Use your windscreen wipers and demisters.

You must not use your front or rear fog lights unless visibility is seriously reduced as they dazzle other road users and can obscure brake lights.