We’ve avoided it for as long as we could, but now its time to admit that winter is here!

 With winter, we have to adjust our driving practices and be prepared for winter conditions.
Common sense and planning will see you through safely.

Make sure vehicle is ready; have it tuned up, check the brakes, tires and exhaust. Ensure windshield wipers are in good repair and washer fluid is topped up.

Have an emergency kit in your vehicle; extra clothing and or blankets, booster cables, shovel, extra washer fluid, food, flashlight, candle, matches, road flares, sand kitty litter or other traction agent, emergency call police sign and cell phone if you have one.

Plan your route; even short trips, know where you are going, how you are getting there and plan the best route, tell someone your route and when you should be expected to arrive.

See and Be Seen; take the time to clear you vehicle windows so you can see all around your vehicle, while you’re at it, make sure all your lights are clear and functioning (front, back and side lights)

Give yourself extra time; weather and road conditions can change without warning, make sure you have given yourself the extra time to get to your destination so you don’t have to hurry.

Slow down; road conditions are unpredictable, ice, slush, snow salt or sand piles can catch you off guard.

Increase following distances; leave extra space between you and other vehicles reaction times are slower and poor road conditions may require extra stopping distances.

Watch out for intersections; intersections tend to ice up quickly because of braking and acceleration. Keep this in mind and brake early and make sure you have plenty of space before pulling into or through an intersection because you may spin your tires. Accelerate slowly.

Remain calm; it has already happened, getting excited or angry isn’t going to help the situation.

First aid; take care of anyone injured and make sure the scene is secured to prevent further injuries (put out flares, hazard lights, keep people off the travel portion of roads etc.).

Remain with your vehicle; use your emergency kit to stay with your vehicle and stay warm and as comfortable as you can. Don’t let your vehicle idle for extended periods, ensure the exhaust area is clear and leave your window down a crack for fresh air.

Avoid over exertion; shoveling snow, attempting to push your vehicle or jacking it to a new position takes great effort in storm conditions. You run the risk of heart attack or other injury so take it easy. Know when to wait for the tow truck!