Top winter driving tips to keep you safe

Driving during the winter months is never fun. This is particularly true if you live in a state such as Ohio, where snow and ice are common.

Unfortunately, there will be times when you have no choice but to venture into inclement weather. If you are behind the wheel, there are tips you can follow to improve your safety and lessen the likelihood of being involved in an accident:

— Slow down. This is the best thing you can do if there is snow or ice on the roadway.

— Properly inflate your tires. Underinflated or overinflated tires will cause you trouble during the winter months.

— Do not use cruise control. Doing so on a slippery surface increases your chance of an accident.

— Don’t drive if you are fatigued. This is a good tip for any time of the year, and always holds true when road conditions are less than ideal.

— Review the weather before you leave home. It only takes one minute to watch the news or look up the weather forecast online. This will help you understand what you are getting into on the road.

These winter driving tips are no guarantee that you will avoid trouble in the months to come; however, they can definitely improve your chance of staying safe even when road conditions are less than ideal.

If you are involved in an accident, don’t hesitate to call for help. You don’t want to “tough out” your injuries. It is better to be examined by a medical professional than to hope for the best.

Source: AAA, “Winter Driving Tips,” accessed Dec. 07, 2015