Did you know that 24 percent of weather-related crashes occur on snowy, slushy or icy roads? Being prepared and slowing down can go a long way toward keeping you safe.

“The top three winter driving tips include slowing down, increasing the space between yourself and other vehicles, and braking, THEN turning,” said Mike Formanowicz, manager of driver programs at AAA Western and Central New York.

There are three common mistakes that drivers should avoid in the winter, according to Formanowicz.

Winter Driving: What NOT to Do

1. Don’t continue at the same speed you would be traveling in clear, dry conditions. Drivers should slow down to regain the traction that is lost due to the weather.

2. Don’t follow other vehicles as closely as you would when driving in normal conditions. Slick roads mean your vehicle cannot slow down as quickly.

3. Don’t brake and turn at the same time. Asking your vehicle to do two things at a time makes it more likely that your tires will lose traction.

If you do go off the road in icy or snowy conditions, stay with your car and remain calm. “Avoiding panic can go a long way toward keeping you safe while driving in the winter,” Formanowicz said. If you are in an emergency situation, call 911. If you get stranded in your car, keep your tailpipe clear of snow to ensure proper ventilation and keep your window cracked open a bit until help arrives. Always keep a cellphone charger or power bank in your vehicle, along with snacks and a blanket.

Try to avoid driving when visibility is poor. If you must drive, keep your speed low, use your low-beam headlights and pull off to a safe spot if conditions worsen.

What to Do if You Get Stuck

• Clear a path for several feet in front of your wheels by driving forward and backward or by shoveling.

• With your wheels pointed straight to minimize rolling resistance, shift to "drive" (or second gear for manual transmissions) and apply gentle pressure to the accelerator without spinning the wheels. If you let the wheels spin, you will only dig deeper into the snow.

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