· Know the vehicle's limitations. If a lightweight car has regular all-season or performance tires instead of snow tires, it may take a bit longer to gain traction in snow or slush. Also, rear-wheel-drive cars with little weight over the drive axle will have some trouble grabbing the road, and all rear-wheel-drive vehicles will tend to fishtail (when the rear end slides from side to side) unless they're equipped with traction control. Be aware of these conditions and drive accordingly.

· Roll onto the throttle. Nailing the gas pedal will often make the tires spin, resulting in a car that either travels nowhere or possibly goes out of control. Easing onto the gas will provide a slow, smooth start.

· If it's a questionable move, don't do it. Darting across streets or making quick passes in winter conditions seldom end with the best consequences. Studies have yet to prove that getting t-boned while desperately trying to cross an intersection is worth the few seconds cut from travel time.

· Clear snow and ice off of the car before driving. Many drivers fail to take the time to clear the side windows, rear window, and the entire windshield. As the car is warming up, turn the defrosters on and take a few minutes to free the windows of ice and snow. Also, sweeping snow off of the hood will prevent flakes from being blown up onto the windshield while driving, helping to maintain good visibility. · In case of freezing rain or snow, raising wipers off the windshield will help keep them from freezing to the glass.

· Keep exterior lights clean. With all of the muck that ends up on the road, exterior lights become cloudy. Carry a towel or rag (tissues and snow also work) to clean headlights and taillights when visibility is compromised.

· Stay alert for road changes. During cold, wet weather, bridges freeze before road surfaces and can become quite hazardous. And, in climates with extreme cold, frost heaves can develop, effectively creating large bumps where previously there had been none. Potholes also develop in these areas, which can cause suspension damage or possibly a blowout, sometimes with a loss of vehicle control.

· Be smart. Drivers should stick to well traveled, familiar roads - a snowy night is not the time to investigate the layout of the city. Also, be prepared to take a different route, if necessary - roads along the regular route may not be cleared or may have steep sections that are especially treacherous. Finally, experienced drivers should avoid becoming complacent - even after 40 winters, veteran winter drivers can find themselves in a ditch.