MOST drivers realise the dangers of snow, sleet and ice as the colder weather approaches over the winter, but few recognise the even more hazardous effects of rain and darkness.

Bad weather can strike suddenly and when it affects visibility or road conditions drivers need to take special care and be aware of the risks associated with driving in poor conditions.

That i the message from road safety organisation RoadSafe.

Adrian Walsh, director of RoadSafe, said: "Some 50 per cent of all reported road traffic accidents at night occur in wet conditions, but in the UK it is wet on average only 10 per cent of the nights.

"By and large drivers realise the dangers of ice and snow and indeed many motoring organisations issue warnings about winter driving, but few drivers realise the most common danger in winter is wet weather not ice and snow."

To help motorists prepare for the winter, RoadSafe has issued the following advice and tips.

Winter Driving

Good vehicle maintenance is particularly important in winter. Make sure your battery is fully charged, your tyres have plenty of tread and are the right pressure, and your wipers and lights work properly. Add anti-freeze to the radiator and top up screen wash.

Keep sunglasses handy - dazzle from winter sun can be dangerous. You should always carry a scraper and de-icer to clear windows and mirrors.

When roads are wet:

- Keep well back from the vehicle in front as stopping distances double.
- If steering becomes unresponsive, it probably means water is preventing the tyres from gripping the road. Ease off the accelerator and slow down gradually.
- The rain and spray from vehicles may make it difficult to see and be seen.

When roads are icy or slushy:

- It can take 10 times longer to stop than on a dry road.
- Use the highest gear possible to avoid wheel spin.
- Manoeuvre gently, avoiding sudden braking or acceleration.
- To brake without locking your wheels, get into low gear earlier than normal, allow your speed to fall and use the brake pedal gently.
- If you start to skid, ease off the accelerator but do not brake suddenly.
- Keep a safe distance behind salting lorries and snow ploughs, and don't attempt to overtake.

When planning your journey:

- Ask yourself if your journey is absolutely essential.
- Check the local and national weather forecasts and travel information.
- Allow for a longer journey (at least 10 minutes longer for each planned hour).
- Check the outside temperature - if it is low there is a high likelihood of ice.
- Tell someone at your destination what time you expect to arrive.
- Make sure you are equipped with warm clothes, food, boots and a torch. In snowy conditions, take a spade.
- Clear your windows and mirrors before you set out and carry a screen scraper and de-icer.

When driving in fog:

- Drive slowly and use dipped headlights or fog lights.
- Don't hang on to the tail-lights of the vehicle in front - you may be too close.
- Don't speed up if it seems to be clearing as fog drifts rapidly and is often patchy.

When driving on flooded roads:

- Stay in first gear and drive slowly.
- Slip the clutch to keep the engine speed high and avoid stalling.
- If possible, drive in the middle of the road to avoid deeper water near the kerb.