The following information comes from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration...

The Three P's of Safe Winter Driving:

PREPARE for the trip;
PROTECT yourself; and
PREVENT crashes on the road.

PREPARE

Maintain Your Car:
Check battery and tire tread, keep your windows clear, put nofreeze fluid in the washer reservoir, check your antifreeze.

Have On Hand:
flashlight, jumper cables, abrasive material (sand, kitty litter, even floor mats), shovel, snow brush and ice scraper, warning devices (like flares) and blankets. For long trips, add food and water, medication and cell phone.

Stopped or Stalled?
Stay with your car, don't over exert, put bright markers on antenna or windows and shine dome light, and, if you run your car, clear exhaust pipe and run it just enough to stay warm.

Plan Your Route:
Allow plenty of time (check the weather and leave early if necessary), be familiar with the maps/directions, and let others know your route and arrival time.

Practice Cold Weather Driving!
During daylight, rehearse maneuvers slowly on the ice or snow in an empty lot
Steer into a skid
Know what your brakes will do: stomp on antilock brakes, pump non-antilock brakes
Stopping distances are longer on water-covered ice and ice
Don't idle for a long time with the windows up or in an enclosed space

PROTECT YOURSELF

Buckle up and use child safety seats properly
Never place a rear-facing infant seat in front of an air bag
Children 12 and under are much safer in the back seat
Sit back 10 inches from an air bag

PREVENT CRASHES

Drugs and alcohol never mix with driving
Slow down and increase distances between cars
Keep your eyes open for pedestrians walking in the road
Avoid fatigue – Get plenty of rest before the trip, stop at least every three hours, and rotate drivers if possible.

Other Safe Winter Driving Resources: