Driving expert says drivers must follow new 20-second rule starting Sunday

The UK faces being hammered by snow as we head into the weekend - with Sunday to Tuesday seeing snow alerts and yellow weather warnings being issued by meteorologists from the Met Office and forecasting agency ahead of next week.

Before Sunday arrives with flurries of the white stuff, driving expert Annie Winterburn has revealed essential tips on her TikTok channel (@theorytestpractice). She warned: "When you're moving away and it's snowy or icy, it will help if you don't race the engine, so don't press too much gas, and use the highest gear that you can.

"While you are driving along, you need to treat every control really, really gently. That is the gas and the brake, and the gears, and the clutch, and the steering. Use them really gently. And stay safe!" Annie warned drivers must to maintain a 20 second gap between yourself and the car in front.

READ MORE: Older drivers face new 'roadside tests' and 'serious consequences' for failing

READ MORE: Mechanic issues warning to drivers who have 15,000 miles clocked up on car

READ MORE Households waking up to £130 Cost of Living payments in bank accounts today

The Met Office explained: "It is safer not to drive in heavy snow and icy conditions but if you absolutely must drive, keep yourself and others safe by using dipped headlights and accelerate gently, use low revs and change to higher gears as quickly as possible."

Other tips include starting in second gear will help with wheel slip and make sure you "maintain a safe and steady speed. Keep your distance from other vehicles". "Keep a constant speed up hills. Leave plenty of room between cars," the Met Office said.

"Use a low gear to go down hill and try to avoid braking unless necessary. Steer into skids. Do not take your hands of the wheel or slam on the brakes." You could be without food, heat or light if you are cut off by snow and can't access services and amenities for a number of days, it also adds.