Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land and the Michigan Sheriffs' Association recommend the following tips to keep you and your family safe while driving in winter weather:

l   No matter the season, drinking and driving is dangerous and illegal.

l   Make sure your vehicle is in good working order.

§ Have working wiper blades

§ Fill up on antifreeze and window-washer fluid

§ Check for proper tire inflation

§ Ensure your battery has sufficient charge

l   Keep an emergency kit ready in your vehicle. It should include:

§ A blanket or warm clothes (boots, coat, gloves)

§ A flashlight

§ Jumper cables

§ Tow rope

§ Shovel

§ Bag of sand or cat litter for traction

§ Battery-operated radio

§ State map to use in case of a detour

§ Snacks such as raisins, candy bars or other items that store well

l   To avoid slipping off the roadway, drive more slowly and give yourself more room to stop.

§ Brake gently to prevent skidding

l   If your vehicle does get stuck:

§ Never spin your wheels. That only digs the tires in more deeply

§ Use a shovel to dig around the wheels and undercarriage

§ Turn the steering wheel from side to side to clear snow away from the front tires

§ Gently ease the vehicle out

§ If that doesn't work, try rocking the vehicle by shifting into forward and giving it some gas and then shifting it into reverse and accelerating until the vehicle is free

l   Let other people know your travel plans so if you don't arrive they'll know where to start looking.

§ Tell people the route you plan to take

l   Make sure your vehicle has fresh air if you become stuck by checking the exhaust system to see if it's plugged by snow.

§ Open a window or turn off your car if necessary

§ Carbon monoxide produced by your vehicle is a colorless, odorless gas that can kill

l   Check the news for weather reports or visit weather sites such as www.weather.gov.