Winter has arrived in some states in the country. And with the year’s first incoming major winter storm in Illinois and Indiana this week, everybody should take some safety precautions when driving through cold and foggy roads. Thank God AAA Chicago has several important reminders and survival tips for all motorists to keep in mind when driving this winter season. Check this out as published in TheAutoChannel.com:

Winter Driving Tips

• Get rid of snow and ice from your car to improve visibility. Remove snow and ice from hood, roof, trunk, turn signals, tail lights and headlights.
• Slow down when visibility and road conditions are worse, and amplify the following distance among vehicles.
• Expect hazards including ice on bridges, unseen lane marks, caught up cars and poor visibility.
• Make use of the right winter braking techniques. For vehicles exclusive of anti-lock brakes, use "squeeze" or "threshold" braking by stepping on the brakes just little of lock-up, then easing off the brake pedal a little. For vehicles with anti-lock brakes, constant, rigid braking is needed.
• Keep away from skids by easing off the accelerator and not locking up the brakes. In a skid, carefully steer in the direction you want your vehicle to go and straighten the wheel as soon as the car begins to go in the desired direction.
• It's important for every person to observe the weather forecasts that may affect their driving plans during the winter days. AAA reminds everyone that it is best to remain inside the vehicle rather than taking the risk and move away and end up lost while looking for help. This is the basic thing to do when you become trapped in the winter. In this situation, a winter survival kit could save you from any kind of situation. AAA advises all motorists to carry the following items in their vehicles during the winter months:

Survival Gear

• Cell phone
• Ice scraper & brush
• Boots, gloves, hat, blanket
• Tools & flashlight
• Tire traction material such as sand or cat litter
• Shovel
• Jumper cables
• Flares or reflective triangle
• Food
• Coffee can furnace
• First aid kit