1. Make sure your van is in top condition by booking it in for a winter service.

2. Make sure you have a full tank of petrol before travelling long distances and refill it before it gets too low.

3. Tiredness is major causes of accidents so take regular breaks on long journeys of about fifteen minutes every two to three hours. Also make sure you have plenty of sensible clothing and snacks should you get stranded.

4. If you are planning to visit the countryside it should not be used as an excuse to speed. As sedate as country roads may seem they can often be as, if not more hazardous, than driving in the city.

5.Hazards to be aware of include:

• Blind corners
• Livestock
• Pedestrians or horse riders in the road
• High hedges
• Slippery surfaces

6. Country lanes are often narrow and quite a squeeze when two cars meet, therefore always be aware of where the closest passing place is.

7. Where there's no street lighting switch on your headlights so that you can always be seen.

8. Plan your journey and listen out for any reports of road works or delays.

9. Make sure that all lights are working and damage free.

10. Check oil and water levels are all correct, paying particular attention to the oil, which can sometimes become thicker in the colder temperatures.

11. Always have a shovel handy and a torch in the glove compartment.

12. Check that the windscreen wipers are in full working order and it is probably worthwhile investing in some de-icer fluid to make it easier to clean the windscreen.

13. Make sure your mobile phone is charged before travelling or keep a list of important numbers somewhere accessible like in the glove compartment.

14. Check tyre pressures and tread depths.

15. Inspect your battery electrolyte level, topping it up with distilled water if necessary. Low temperatures can cause discharge. Many garages offer checks free of charge.