Drivers warned to pack '13 items' in car before driving on Monday morning

Drivers have been warned to pack 13 items in their cars ahead of heading out on the road on Sunday. The Met Office has issued yellow weather warnings for the UK as we head into the new week, with snowfall set to fall from Sunday to Tuesday.

Ahead of the weather shift, drivers, motorists and road users are being urged to pack ice scrapers, de-icers, phone chargers, warm clothes, blankets, high-vis clothing, jump leads, an empty jerry can, food, drink, a shovel, warning triangles and sunglasses.

The RAC explained: "These are basic items but winter must-haves nonetheless. Legally, you must keep your front and rear windscreen clear of snow and ice before driving. Don't assume you can rely on your smartphone. A phone light won’t really give you visibility if you’re stuck by the side of country road in winter. A large torch with spare batteries or a wind-up torch which doesn't require battery power is essential for your vehicle.

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"We also rely heavily on phones and in-built car technology for maps but if you have no battery in your car you may find you are limited with your phone battery too. It’s worth having a paper road atlas in case of diversions or getting lost."

It says: "And related to both of these – have an in-car phone charger so you can top up your battery even when you’re out and about. But what if you break down somewhere with no phone signal? If you're on the motorway you'll need to locate the nearest emergency phone. On quieter roads, assess the situation - it may be a case of walking to the nearest house or sitting tight and waiting for a passing motorist to stop and help.

"It's sensible to have some warm clothes to wrap up in case of a breakdown - a big coat, gloves, a spare jumper, hat and gloves. If you need to leave the vehicle in the dark, it's crucial that you can be seen by other motorists – it could even save your life."