The winter can be a tricky time of year for driving. Storms can come unexpectedly, and ice on the road can often times be invisible to drivers. While you can’t control how safely others drive, you can ensure that you are following safe winter driving practices by reading these simple tips. The first step is to make sure that you are alert and focused before heading out on the road. Avoid driving while you’re fatigued.

You should always make sure you have proper winter or all weather tires on your vehicle, as well as making certain they are properly inflated. Do not use cruise control when driving on any slippery surface (wet, ice, sand), and always look and steer where you want to go.

When stopping and starting, do it slowly. Applying the gas slowly to accelerate is the best method for regaining traction and avoiding skids. Don’t try to get moving in a hurry. And take time to slow down for a stoplight. Remember: It takes longer to slow down on icy roads.

Keep in mind that everything takes longer on snow-covered roads. Accelerating, stopping, turning – nothing happens as quickly as on dry pavement. Give yourself time to maneuver by driving slowly. The normal dry pavement following distance of three to four seconds should be increased to eight to ten seconds. This increased margin of safety will provide the longer distance needed if you have to stop. Don’t stop if you can avoid it. There’s a big difference in the amount of inertia it takes to start moving from a full stop versus how much it takes to get moving while still rolling. If you can slow down enough to keep rolling until a traffic light changes, do it.

While going up hills applying extra gas on snow-covered roads just starts your wheels spinning. Try to get a little inertia going before you reach the hill and let that inertia carry you to the top. As you reach the crest of the hill, reduce your speed and proceed down hill as slowly as possible.

If you really do not need to go anywhere, then stay home. You may be a safe driver in the snow, but there are plenty of those who are not.

Winter is well on its way, and if you have not yet gotten your vehicle ready for the winter months, the time to do it is now! Reliable transportation is especially important in the winter, the last thing you want is to be stranded on the road when temperatures are sub zero. You can bring your vehicle into the dealership for a tuneup and have the following components checked:  Ignition system, Fuel system, Belts, Fluid levels, Brakes, Exhaust system, Wiper blades and windshield washer fluid, Battery, and Lights.

Once you know your vehicle is in top shape, the next step is to make sure you have proper tires, and that they have the correct tire pressure. Also, it is a good idea to keep your keep your gasoline tank full for a long trip or even for a short distance. Stop to fill-up long before the tank begins to run low. Keeping your tank as full as possible will minimize condensation, providing the maximum advantage in case of trouble.

The last step in preparing for winter, is to prepare for the worst. If you do happen to be stranded it is important to have your vehicle stocked with some essentials in case of an emergency. Make sure your cell phone is with you and charged. Find an area of your vehicle where you can store some items for the duration of the winter, whether it is your trunk or cargo area, and include the following:  Booster cables, Two or more blankets, Snow shovel and scraper, Flashlight and extra batteries, Extra clothing: cap, mittens, parka and overshoes or boots in case you have to walk for help, High calorie, non-perishable food like candy and canned nuts, Sand or strips of carpet for traction, Extra windshield washer fluid and antifreeze, and Flares or reflectors.

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