Caravan Insurance

With the clocks changing in less than a week and the weather worsening, 4x4 manufacturer Chrysler Jeep is championing the added protection that its Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) offers drivers.

Research suggests that around 60 per cent of fatal accidents in Europe are due to skidding, while the number of accidents in the UK increases by 18 per cent during the winter months.

While all 4x4s offer improved traction in adverse road conditions cars fitted with ESP automatically adjust braking force and engine power when the driver's intended course deviates from the car's actual course.

"If drivers are looking for the ultimate in safe and effective driving in rain, snow and ice then they should look no further than the latest Jeep Grand Cherokee and Jeep Cherokee vehicles," suggested the chief executive of DaimlerChrysler, Wilfred Steffen.

Mr Steffen went on to explain that adding a skid control system to any car, be it a 4x4 or two wheel drive, means that once traction has been established on a slippery surface it is much easier to keep the vehicle under control.

Regardless of a vehicle's technical specification, in icy conditions drivers should always pull away and drive in the highest gear that the car will allow as well as allowing for extra braking time and distance.