WHENEVER there is a particularly wintry day, motorists are always advised to stay off the road. But what about the people who are employed to drive in the snow?
Drivers who earn a living spreading rock-salt across icy surfaces face the dangers that most motorists go out of their way to avoid.
For the country's leading private gritting firm, Gritit, ensuring their drivers have adequate training is paramount – and that's why bosses sent staff to Donington Park to brush up on their skills.
The firm's managing director, Nikki Singh-Barmi, explained that the day was part of a rigorous training schedule its country-wide network of seasonal operators will go through.
He said: "When the guys walk in to Donington it really sets the scene and gives them a feel of the situations they're likely to find themselves in.
"It's something they're not going to get in a Powerpoint presentation, you can only get these skills by going out and experiencing it."
Activities on the day featured a session in specially adapted cars on Donington's "Tarmac Lake". The vehicles are raised and lowered on hydraulic cradles, simulating a loss of grip which is controlled by the instructor from inside.
By demonstrating what happens to a normal passenger car when the grip suddenly vanishes, the drivers are taught how to react and what to do to minimise a skid.
Groups of drivers were also taught the complex task of reversing a gritting vehicle towing a trailer. Cone "garages" were set up to navigate in and out of while experts looked on and advised.
Operators were also assessed on their driving skills on the open road, with monitored journeys through Castle Donington, and tips were given on handling the off-road vehicles in typical traffic.
The groups also sat through a presentation describing the dangers of winter driving and how to avoid them by proper care of their vehicles and basic driving tips.
A fifth activity saw the company's seasoned professionals taking operators round a cone course spreading salt.
Each activity was designed by a specialist event company and a team of instructors to give a flavour of some of the hazards Gritit operators might face as they take to the roads, car parks and runways of the UK in the depths of winter.
Operator Gurdip Singh says he is looking forward to his second season with the company.
The 39-year-old father-of-two, from Wolverhampton, spent his summer doing a milk round but says the gritting work suits him well.
He said: "It's a good job. I like working through the night as it gives me time in the day which I can spend with my kids.
"I guess some people wouldn't like working in the cold but it doesn't bother me. I just wrap up warm and put the heating on."
Gurdip's first season, the winter of 2013-14, started with headlines published in the national press that threatened "100 days of snow".
This would obviously have been music to his ears as 100 days of work can be very lucrative for a gritter driver. But the harsh winter never happened. In fact, it turned into one of the warmest and wettest winters on record.
Gurdip is hoping for a snowy winter this year and he said the training day would help him in hazardous conditions.
He said: "I thought the day was very informative. The skid pan was definitely the most fun but I've found it all very useful, especially the reversing."
Although it was difficult to stay busy for many of the operators last year, the air at Donington was filled with optimism that the headlines might be right this year and a harsh winter might be on the cards.
For commuters, a heavy snow fall might be their worst nightmare but for the operators at firms like Gritit, it's exactly what they train for.
FIVE WINTER DRIVING TIPS Prepare your car for the cold: The most important thing to check is your tyres. At least 3mm of tread depth is advised and check the pressures. Winter tyres could be a good investment. Also make sure all your fluids are topped up. Make sure your car is clean: Dirty windows will be harder to defrost, but also remember to keep lights clean, number plates clear of snow and grime and always clear snow thoroughly from the car before setting off. Pack sensibly: Have warm clothes, a blanket, a torch with spare batteries, a first aid kit, a bottle of water and some emergency rations in the boot. An ice scraper and a shovel should also be in your car. Also make sure your mobile phone is fully charged and take an in-car charger. Follow the forecasts: Keep an eye on weather updates before you drive and consider adjusting your route or altering plans if it looks like it will be very poor weather. Take care behind the wheel: Always be on the lookout for icy or damp road surfaces. Remember you will need longer stopping distances and make time for breaks on long journeys as battling with snow, as heavy rain or fog can be very tiring.