Winter road conditions can become hazardous with very little warning.
Follow these precautions to help make sure you and your family arrive
safe every time you set out on the road.

1. Let the road conditions dictate your speed. Remember that speed
   limit signs only present guidelines for dry surfaces when
   visibility is ideal. When the road has water, ice, or snow on it,
   or when snow is blowing and making it hard to see, you should slow
   down until you can be certain to retain control of your vehicle at
   all times. In the winter, this will be much slower than the posted
   speed limit.
2. Leave more room between vehicles. Winter roads require much
   greater stopping distances, and just because you can stop, you
   can’t be sure the other drivers will be able to. Make sure there
   is enough space between your vehicle and the others on the road to
   allow you to stop when traffic or road conditions change
   unexpectedly.
3. Change lanes or directions slowly. When you change the position of
   your car to the left or right, or make a turn, it requires extra
   friction to stay on the road. When the roads are wet, icy, or
   snowy, make gradual changes and signal to other drivers well in
   advance.
4. Do you know when to pump the brakes or not? If you have anti-lock
   brakes, DO NOT pump the brakes when stopping. Pumping the brakes
   IS recommended for vehicles without anti-lock brakes.
5. Use extra caution on bridges and overpasses. When the cold winter
   winds blow, bridges and overpasses develop ice more quickly than
   other road surfaces. Make sure to carefully assess the conditions
   of bridges and remain attentive of the road surface.
6. Keep an eye out for deer. During the winter months, deer
   congregate together in large groups. If one is near the edge of
   the road, or crosses in front of you, more are certain to be close
   by. In rural areas, they are especially active during hunting
   season. Do NOT assume that a deer will get out of the way of your
   car. Slow down, flash your lights, and wait to proceed until the
   deer is out of range.
7. Show your holiday spirit. Frustration can cause tragic
   consequences with unsafe driving. Keep your cool, take a deep
   breath, and remember that everyone needs to get back home safely.

Don’t let your holiday be cut short by an auto accident. Stay
awake, aware, and in control of your car.