THE ‘Beast from the East’ is set to hit Worcestershire this week with snow expected from today.

The Met Office has issued weather warnings for snow and for strong winds later in the week.

The sensible option is to avoid travel unless it's really necessary.

But those who find themselves needing to use the roads would do well to remember that when the weather is bad and the roads are slippery, there is more chance of you losing control of your car.

This can manifest itself in a slide resulting in oversteer or understeer.

Faced with that situation, here's what Goodyear Tyres UK suggests:

How to handle understeer: The car is not turning as much as you would like, because the front tyres have lost grip. Don't increase your steering angle or hit the brakes, as this will only make it worse. Instead, take your foot off the accelerator and stay off the brake. The weight of your car will now shift forward. Carefully decrease the steering angle. You should be able to gently steer your car back to the desired path.

How to handle oversteer: The car is turning more than you want it to, because the rear tyres have lost grip. Take the following actions, while paying close attention to the response of the car. Gently accelerate and the weight of your car will shift back to the rear wheels. At the same time, steer in the same direction in which the rear end is sliding. Look in the direction you want the car to go. That way, you'll be ready to adjust the car's path as soon as it starts to respond to your corrections.

And here are another eight top driving tips from Goodyear to make sure you stay safe on the roads:

1. Watch your speed

It seems like an obvious point, but the roads are far more treacherous in poor weather. Be mindful of increased stopping distances in wet or icy conditions which will affect your tyres' grip on the road.

2. Check your tyres for wear

Check your tyre pressure and tread depth regularly (There should be a minimum tread depth of 4mm for winter tyres to ensure optimal performance). You can easily check your tyre tread depth by placing a 20p coin into the tread of your tyre. If the outer rim of the coin is visible, the tyre is approaching the legal minimum tread depth and you should consider replacing it.

3. Use a higher gear to start and pull away

Spinning your wheels quickly can dig the vehicle deeper into the snow so try to resist the temptation. Placing the car into a higher gear will mean less torque output and spin, giving you a greater chance of driving out of snow or mud.

4. Don’t ‘pump’ your brakes

If you have anti-lock brakes, keep a steady pressure on the brake pedal so that your ABS system can bring your car to a halt quickly and safely. You’ll have more time to steer the car out of danger, and this could prevent you from skidding further.

5. Keep your distance

Braking distances can increase by up to ten times in snow and icy conditions. Don’t just rely on brakes to bring you to a stop – make sure to decrease through your gears too to aid you safely.

6. Be careful over bridges or passes

They are well known locations for icy patches, so slow down when going over them.

7. Pack an emergency kit

All drivers should pack an essential kit in case you find yourself stranded. Emergency supplies should include warm clothing, blanket, snacks, water, red warning triangle and a torch. An in-car phone charger is also recommended.

8. Avoid distractions

You’ll need all the concentration you can muster in heavy snowy conditions as the visibility is likely to be very poor. Avoid distractions so you can get to your destination safely.