Winter driving tips

AREA — Winter appears to have finally arrived ... just in time for the holidays. However, along with winter is a collective responsibility to slow down, use your head and follow the rules of winter.

• Clean off your entire car. The whole windshield, as well as every other window. The roof, hood and the back of the car. Clean off head and brake lights. We have all been behind a car when the crusted snow on top has blown off like a sheet of plywood flying right at us. A dangerous situation.

• Slow down. Driving 40 mph in snowy conditions is irresponsible. Give yourself plenty of time and go slower so you can stop if needed. You can't control what other drivers do ... you can control what you do.

• Leave yourself plenty of room to stop. You should allow at least three times more space than usual between you and the car in front of you. Brake gently to avoid skidding. If your wheels start to lock up, ease off the brake.

• Turn on your lights to increase your visibility to other motorists.

• Use low gears to keep traction, especially on hills. Don't use cruise control or overdrive on icy roads.

• Be especially careful on bridges, overpasses and infrequently traveled roads, which will freeze first. Even at temperatures above freezing, if the conditions are wet, you might encounter ice in shady areas or on exposed roadways like bridges.

• Don't pass snow plows and sanding trucks. The drivers have limited visibility, and you're likely to find the road in front of them worse than the road behind.

• Don't assume your vehicle can handle all conditions. Even four-wheel and front-wheel drive vehicles can encounter trouble on winter roads.

• Make sure your windshield wash reservoir is full of anti-icing fluid. Carry extra in the car. Make sure your wiper blades are replaced regularly.

• Make sure your tires have good tread. Snow or winter tires are worth the investment.

• Keep in mind that plows need to get down streets that narrow because of plowed snow. Don't park on them simply because it is more convenient. There are plenty of municipal parking lots. Stay off the main roads so the plows can do their jobs.

• In some towns (such as Norway) there is no overnight parking between October and April.

• In the case of a major storm many towns issue temporary parking bans. These are listed on media sites – especially television news sites. Check before you park.

• Do not plow your drive or shovel your walkway into the street. This is against state law and you could be fined. Further, it makes the roadways less safe.

• Do keep your sidewalks clear for pedestrians.

• Watch out for pedestrians and children – they can be hard to see with piles of plowed snow.

• Plan ahead. We usually know if bad weather is coming so be ready and stay home.

By following a few simple precautions, respecting other drivers and driving safely, we can all enjoy the winter wonderland.