It is important to be prepared when winter weather strikes. With today’s technology there are a number of resources to check road conditions before you travel. What other measures could you take to ensure your safety if the worst did happen? Take special precaution when driving in winter weather by following these safety steps:

Equip Your Vehicle:

– First-aide kit

– Flashlight, with extra batteries

– Blanket or sleeping bag

– Bottled water

– A bag of sand to use for traction under your wheels

– Small shovel

– Booster cables

– Bright colored cloth

Driving Tips

– Always wear your seatbelt

– Keep your tires properly inflated

– Keep your gas tank at least half full

– Do not use cruise control when driving on any slippery surface (wet, ice)

– Adjust your speed to road conditions

– Give snowplows plenty of room, do not pass them

– Keep your lights on

– Keep mirrors, windows and lights clean

– If you begin to feel uncomfortable, pull off the road and park at the first safe place

– If you become snow bound, do not leave your vehicle

– If the exhaust pipe is clogged, remove the snow, ice or mud. The blockage could cause deadly carbon monoxide gas to leak into the vehicle

For more tips visit:

http://www.modot.org/road_conditions/winterdrivingtips.htm

http://exchange.aaa.com/safety/roadway-safety/winter-driving-tips/#.Vkpkjt-rQ3h