Urgent warning for motorists driving with snow on top of their car
Be careful if you're driving into work this morning with snow on your car.
It is indeed a dangerous time for motorists as a polar vortex 'snow bomb' is currently battering the UK.
The whole country has been hit with a 'cold plunge of Arctic air', which has made it 5°C-6°C lower than usual.
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Meanwhile, the Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for ice and snow until Thursday (18 January).
Met Office forecaster Craig Snell has warned of a 'persistent band of snow' over three to six hours across Scotland, Northern Ireland and parts of northern England and Wales.
"In the early hours of the morning we’re looking at temperatures getting down to -12C in a few spots, Tuesday night possibly down to -15C," he said.
"So certainly a very cold spell into Wednesday."
Now, although there is actually no law that states it is illegal to drive with snow on your car, it depends on where the snow is.
The Highway Code says that if you are driving in adverse weather conditions, you must be able to see out of every glass panel in your vehicle - and that is by law.
Section 41D of the Road Traffic Act 1988 supports this meaning it is a legal requirement to have a clear view of the road before you set off.
Rule 228 of The Highway Code adds that you must 'remove all snow that might fall off into the path of other road users'.
Failure to abide by this rule could land motorists a £60 fine and three penalty points.
The RAC advise motorists to de-ice their windscreen on the outside and thoroughly de-misted on the inside before setting off.
Even if you are just having a quick nip to the shops, it is important to remember that all windows can be seen out of and any snow that could fall off the vehicle has been removed.
The Met Office says 'you should adjust your driving to suit the conditions and take extra care'.
"If you have to make a journey when snow is forecast, make sure you have warm clothes, food, water, boots, a torch and spade, and let someone know when you expect to arrive and your route," it states.
"Try to wait until the roads have been gritted before travelling.
"Put grit or cat litter on paths and driveways to lessen the risk of slipping on compacted snow and check on vulnerable neighbours."
The Met Office also suggested to avoid travel if possible.
"If you go outside wear several layers of clothing and keep dry to prevent loss of body heat. Watch out for signs of hypothermia - uncontrollable shivering, slow/slurred speech, memory lapse and drowsiness and frostbite - loss of feeling in and pale appearance of fingers, toes, nose and ear lobes," it adds.
"Keep moving your arms and legs to help the blood circulate.
"Be aware of black ice. It isn't always visible and so can be an even greater hazard for both motorists and pedestrians.
"Black ice may be formed when rain or drizzle fall on a road surface which is at a temperature below zero."
Anish Vij