Most drivers are not prepared for driving in wintry conditions with the increased risk of road accidents, breakdowns and becoming stranded according to research from Kwik-Fit.

It revealed that although around 25% of drivers have been stranded in wintry conditions at some point, most of us still fail to carry in our vehicles common sense items that could save your life in freezing conditions.

The study showed that 64% of drivers fail to carry bottled water, with 53% not carrying a warm blanket, and over 21 million failing to carry winter clothing to change into. It is important that any change of clothing makes it easy for you to be seen by motorists if you need to abandon your vehicle and walk.

Most people think that the risk of becoming stranded is low, or take the "it won't happen to me" attitude, in actual fact the chances are "pretty high" according to David White, the Customer Services Director at Kwik-Fit who carried out the study.

Before driving in winter vehicles should be checked to ensure they have sufficient anti-freeze, oil levels are correct, tyre pressures are correct, wipers are functioning correctly and that all lights are in good working order.