With another yellow warning for ice issued by the Met Office for overnight and a big freeze forecast for the coming days, it probably won't be long before we are once again faced with official advice to avoid non-essential driving.

But that can be easier said than done - how often do you ever make a journey you don't think of as essential?

If you really must venture out in icy conditions, there are things you can do to improve your chances of reaching your destination in one piece. Here are some tips from the Institute of Advanced Motoring (IAM).

1. Keep your car in good shape

Grit is great for keeping roads clear of snow and ice (when it works) but it's not good for your car. The salt included in grit can corrode your car if you have any exposed scratches. It can also make your headlamps dirty - just think of all the muck you have to wash off your windscreen after a motorway journey at this time of year - so be sure to wipe them down regularly or you'll lose visibility. And your tyre condition is essential at this time of year - you need at least 2mm and ideally 3mm tread for winter conditions (not the 1.6mm required by law).

2. Be prepared

You should always keep some essentials in your car at this time of year - an ice scraper, de-icer, shovel and torch - not to mention something to eat and a flask of hot drink in case you get stuck in your car for a long time.

3. Leave extra stopping distance

At least triple your stopping distance and approach every junction expecting to stop well before the stop or give way line (it can take up to ten times as long to stop according to Highway Code advice). Every steering, acceleration or braking input should be as smooth and gentle as possible and select 2nd gear when you pull away in icy conditions (less torque will help prevent wheel spin).

4. Don't overtake gritters

It's usually fair to assume that the road in front of a gritter won't have been gritted in a while. So it makes sense to stay behind them. It's not rocket science.

5. Beware of other drivers

Probably the biggest risk at this time of year comes from other motorists. Even if you're prepared for the conditions, you can't assume they will be. So make extra allowances and expect erratic behaviour from everyone else on the road. Let's face it, if you're used to driving in Bradford, this should already be second nature!