Surviving Winter: Driver Safety

If the weather is frigid, you're going to want to warm up the car before you drive it. To prevent carbon monoxide poisoning, never leave a vehicle running in an enclosed area, such as a garage. In fact, the Consumer Product Safety Commission warns that a car running in an attached garage is never safe, even with the garage door open.

If the forecast looks iffy, wait out the storm if possible. But if you must travel make sure you share your travel plans and route with someone before you leave.

If you become stranded in an unfamiliar area, do not leave your car. Light flares in front and behind the car and make sure the exhaust pipe is not blocked by snow, mud, or any object.

Besides checking the weather, it's important to have a mechanic check the condition of the following vehicle systems before heading out on the road:

You've done all you can to prepare your car, you've checked the weather, but suddenly you find yourself driving in a slippery mess. If visibility is severely limited due to a whiteout, pull off the road and don't even attempt to drive farther until conditions improve.

But sometimes water or ice on the road can surprise drivers, even with little to no precipitation. Do you know how to prevent a skid? Would you know what to do if you ended up sliding toward another vehicle or fixed object? If you don't want to end up in a crash like the one in Michigan, AAA offers some winter driving tips.

• Never mix radial tires with other types of tires
• Avoid using your parking brake to slow or stop
• Do not use cruise control in winter conditions
• Look and steer in the direction you want to go
• Accelerate and decelerate slowly
• Increase following distance to 8 to 10 seconds
• Know whether you have anti-lock brakes, which will "pump" the brakes for you in a skid
• If possible, don't stop when going uphill
• Keep your gas tank at least half-full
• If you do get stranded, don't try to push your vehicle out of snow
• Signal distress with a brightly colored cloth tied to the antenna or in a rolled up window

In an emergency situation, in addition to a full tank of gas and fresh antifreeze, National Safety Council recommends having these with you at all times:

• Properly inflated spare tire, wheel wrench, and tripod jack
• Shovel
• Jumper cables
• Tow and tire chains
• Bag of salt or cat litter for better tire traction or to melt snow
• Tool kit
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• Reflective triangles or flares
• Compass
• First aid kit
• Windshield cleaner
• Ice scraper and snow brush
• Matches in a waterproof container
• Scissors and string or cord
• Nonperishable, high-energy foods like unsalted, canned nuts, dried fruits, and hard candy
• Blankets, mittens, socks, and hats