Winter is here and while most of us would rather be inside our warm homes, driving is inevitable. Another near certainty is the snow and ice which comes with the season, and is infamous for being both unpredictable and dangerous. We have outlined the top tips for driving in the snow and ice this season and hope you take note of our advice.

1. When there is snow and/or ice on the ground, plan your route before you leave. Try to avoid hills and smaller roads that may not be very well plowed. If you need to travel up a hill, gain a little speed before you reach it and let the force bring you to the top. Continuously pressing the gas will only make your tires spin and stop you before you start.
2. Use your judgment in terms of speed. If the posted speed limit is 30 mph but you feel comfortable going 15 mph, you should. It’s important to be especially cautious on bridges or overpasses. It takes longer to do everything on snow-covered roads so give yourself time to maneuver. Driving slower can set the pace for other drivers and give you peace of mind.
3. Always be on the lookout for cars that may be having trouble in the ice or snow and be sure to give yourself enough room behind another vehicle. The normal safe following distance of three to four seconds should be increased to eight to ten. Driving too closely could also be dangerous if you lose control of your vehicle during a turn or while traveling down a hill.
4. To make sure you are visible, always drive with your lights on when the weather is poor. When driving in fog at night, low beams may be the best option. Illuminating yourself can ensure that other drivers do not follow too closely.
5. Always be aware of your brake pedal. When the road conditions are bad, you may not know you need to stop until it’s too late. By keeping focused, you’ll be ready for that instant stop.
6. If you get stuck in the snow, do not spin your wheels. Try to turn your wheels side to side until you are able to mobilize yourself. When you first realize you are stuck, turn on your emergency lights so other drivers are aware of your situation and can stay safe.

Remember that getting there safely is more important than getting there fast. Drive carefully and follow these suggestions to help you arrive at your destination accident-free.