Be prepared

Just a couple of weeks ago I was dressed in a short-sleeved shirt, enjoying eating fish and chips outside in the Autumn sunshine. Today I am dressed like a Nepalese Yak herder while I top-up the anti-freeze and screenwash in my car and ensure my car boot is stocked with warm clothing, an ice scraper, an hazard triangle and bottles of water. I should carry a small shovel too, so will have to rummage in the shed for that. Other useful items include cat litter (for gritting), a torch, a first-aid kit and some bars of high energy food. A couple of websites with more advice are http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/8443690.stm and http://www.telegraph.co.uk/motoring/news/4434099/Advice-for-driving-on-snow-and-ice.html .
Remember all those news reports of people being trapped in their cars overnight? Don't be so ignorant to think that it won't happen to you. It will only take a matter of minutes to prepare your car.
'Heavy snow' is forecast for parts of the Highlands over the next few days. The sensible thing is to decide whether you really need to make that journey? If so, then allow plenty of time, make sure your windows are all completely clear (not just a tiny hole scraped clear of ice) , keep WELL back from the vehicle ahead and let people know what time you are setting off and where you are going. I'm not just talking about the North of Scotland. There is no reason why this winter should be any better than last winter, so learn from last year and get yourself prepared.