As of late, the south has been racked with the winter that has been missing. The north is receiving truckloads of snow whereas the south, in many places, it receiving it for the first time these next few days. When it snows or ices over, the best motto in these cases is stay home! But should you need to go out, here are some things to help keep you safe as well as being safe on the road.

Inspection

Before you even begin to drive be sure to inspect your vehicle. Make sure the tires have the correct amount of air in them and also make sure that they're in good condition. If you don't have the money or you choose to opt out of snow tires or chains, make sure your tires aren't balding otherwise you'll have no traction no matter the tire you have. Also, make sure your windshield wipers are in good working order, just like rain should the snow hit your windshield you're going to want to wipe it away or you won't be able to see anything.

Drive Slow

This is crucial, snowy and icy roads get very slippery. If you don't have snow tires or chains on your tires, you won't be able to get the traction that snow tires or chains allow you to have. When driving, make sure you are going at a speed that will allow you to continue to have traction as well as remaining straight as you drive. Make sure you plan accordingly, should you need to get someone at a certain time try leaving, at least, double the amount of time it would normally take you to get there as the amount of time you are going to need to get there. Say it takes you 10 minutes to get to work, try leaving 20 to 30 minutes till. It hurts no one if you're early, and it's even better if you're safe.

Speeding Turns

Never take a turn too fast, you'll end up having your back end slide and you'll fishtail out of control. Take the turn slowly, should you feel your back-end begin to slide, take your foot off the gas, don't break and try to steer your car back into control and/or away from other cars to avoid even more damage should it come to that. Take the turns slowly and gradually. We're not aiming for speed as that will likely cause you to fishtail or just spin out of control. If you begin to veer the wrong way, don't jerk your wheel slowly turn it and try to get out of the way and/or back in your lane.

Break

You never want to just slam on your breaks in the snow or ice, you'll stop the tires but you won't stop the momentum. To avoid sliding through a stoplight or sign, pump your breaks until you come to a slow a gradual stop. You'll want to start doing this, at least, double the amount of normal space so that you have some room to work with.If you should need to stop quickly press the brake gradually and put the car into a lower gear if you feel it begin to lock up.

I'm Stuck

Should you end up getting stuck, don't spin your tires as you'll just dig yourself into a deeper hole (literally). Try bringing some cat litter with you when you go out so that should you get stuck you can pour some of the litter into the hole. The cat litter will soak up the water and your car will get the traction it needs to dig itself out of the hole.

Over Weight

To get a little more traction try adding more weight into the trunk or bed of your vehicle. They suggest anywhere between 50 to 100 pounds more on the back end so that your car will weigh more in the back, get more traction, and in some instances even prevent fishtailing. Salt bags work great to add some weight, you're not wasting the money because you could use these at a later date to say salt your driveway or your walkways at home.

I Hate People

Some people think they can drive in snow because it's just like rain, it's not! When driving be mindful of other drivers, they might not have these tips in mind like you do so if they begin to loose control you need to know that so you can get out of the way and avoid damage to yourself and your car. Keep all your windows clear of obstructions, you need to keep an eye on everything around you, and make sure to look in your mirrors often so you can see if someone is sliding or fishtailing out of control.

Ice Skating

As much fun as ice skating is, it's no fun when your car is doing it. If you should hit a patch of ice or begin to feel yourself sliding, take your foot off the gas, don't hit the break, and turn your wheel in the direction the rear of your vehicle is sliding. As soon as you feel yourself begin to gain control again, straighten your wheel out, slowly, and only put your foot back on the gas when you have full control once more.

These are just some of the few great tips for being safe on the road this winter. Some people have home remedies or different strategies for driving on ice or snow. My family is from Wisconsin, so my Grandma decided to teach me to drive on snow in the middle of a whiteout. If you don't have the crazy people I do to teach you, then take these tips into consideration. Driving in snow takes lots of practice so you won't get it on the first try, but remember the motto: stay home! Remember, don't go out if you don't have to and should you go out make sure you stay safe and be mindful of everyone else on the road. Everyone be safe this winter and keep these tips in mind!