Winter is once again upon us, and ‘tis the season for snow and ice to cover our roads. Stay safe this winter driving season with these tips.

1. Slow down in wintry conditions. It’s tempting to trust your car or truck’s ability to stick to the road in icy conditions, but overconfidence leads to crashes. No matter how heavy your vehicle is, ice is ice and you will slide if you hit an icy patch. (Have you ever seen a semi-truck off the road in the winter? They’re much heavier than your pickup truck or SUV.) Slow down and arrive safely!
2. Get some snow tires. According to , 67% of respondents believed their all-season tires were all they needed for winter. 53% of people believed their all-wheel drive (AWD) vehicle was sufficient without snow tires. However, if you want better traction, improved braking distances and maneuverability to keep you and your family safe, winter tires are the way to go.
3. Prepare for the worst. If you do end up in a snow bank or in an accident, a little preparedness goes a long way. Consumer Reports has a great list of everything you should keep in your car to make sure you’re safe and warm after a crash has happened. Being prepared is step number one in safety!

Winter driving is stressful. When possible, it’s best to stay off the road. But we know that’s not always possible. When you’re out in the snow and the ice, be safe, be courteous and help everyone get to their destination! Do you have anything else to recommend? Put your ideas in the comments below!

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