KNUTSFORDIANS woke up to a blanket of snow this morning – and Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service is urging motorists to take extra care.

The service has been called out to a number of incidents in the area and is urging motorists to be extra careful on the wintry roads.

Stewart Forshaw, from Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: "Of all the seasons, winter needs the most care from drivers to keep safe on the roads. Hard frosts, ice and snow on the roads can make driving potentially very dangerous. It can take ten times longer to stop in icy conditions than on a dry road. Drive slowly to allow extra room to slow down and stop, and if you do start to skid, ease off the accelerator but don't brake suddenly.

"Every year we attend hundreds of road traffic collisions, rescuing drivers and their passengers and providing emergency first aid and trauma care. These incidents can be devastating not only to those involved but to their loved ones and friends. I would urge everyone to take note of our winter driving safety advice."

Driving in the snow and ice? Tips to make it easier

In winter it is even more important to check your vehicle is well maintained and serviced.

Here are a few checks that you can do, to make sure your car is ready for winter:

• Keep the lights, windows and mirrors clean and free from ice and snow • Make sure wipers and lights are in good working order

• Add anti-freeze to the radiator and winter additive to the windscreen washer bottles • Check that tyres have plenty of tread depth and are maintained at the correct pressure

• Pack a snow/ice scraper, de-icer, snow shovel, hat, gloves, boots, a torch, bottle of water and a first aid kit. For longer journeys, you should take blankets, a snack and a flask of warm drink.

• Wash the car frequently to get rid of the salt and dirt that builds up over the winter.

• Always keep a full tank of fuel - you never know when you might get delayed.

• Don't use water to defrost the windows.

When roads are icy or slushy:

It can take ten times longer to stop in icy conditions than on a dry road.

• Use the highest gear possible to avoid wheel spin • Drive slowly, allowing extra room to slow down and stop

• Manoeuvre gently, avoiding harsh braking and acceleration • To brake on ice or snow without locking your wheels, get into a 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