Car, van and motorbike insurance customers in Northern Ireland have again been reminded to take extra care behind the wheel ahead of hazardous winter weather conditions setting in.

According to data from comparison site Money Supermarket, nearly 4,500 motor accidents across Northern Ireland and the wider UK last year happened in snowy and icy conditions, while a third of them took place in the dark.

Steve Sweeney, head of motor insurance at the site, suggests that comprehensive motor breakdown cover is "a must" for drivers who are keen to avoid getting stranded in the cold.

"With comprehensive cover available for such competitive prices, it really is a price well worth paying for the peace of mind that you will be rescued if your car does grind to a halt," he observes. "While there is no good time to suffer a vehicle breakdown, it is especially worrying at this time of year with nights drawing in earlier and temperatures dropping."

Car insurance customers in Northern Ireland are further advised to make regular checks to their vehicles and carry a spare tyre, torch, reflective triangle sign, high-visibility jacket, first aid kit and jump leads in their vehicles.