Living in Utah requires patience with the ever changing weather. As winter nears we are just waiting for the snow to fall. Snowfall means driving in the snow which can be very dangerous. Here are tips to stay safe on snowy, icy roads.

• Do not leave the car running inside the garage: no matter how tempting it is to heat up your freezing car, running it in the garage builds up carbon monoxide which can be deadly.
• Check the weather before you start driving: knowing the weather before you leave can help you examine the driving conditions and prepare for them. You can also check news sources for accidents that will slow you down.
• If you get snowbound stay inside the car: Being inside your car will provide temporary shelter, and makes it easier to locate you. Don’t over exert yourself by trying to dig your way out.
• Keep a backpack with emergency items in your car at all times: This backpack should include; food, water, a blanket, and some kind of reflective clothing to use as a beacon to emergency personnel.

• Avoid braking: This sounds wrong but really the less you brake the less chance you have to slide, so in snowy or rainy weather avoid braking where possible.
• Accelerate and decelerate slowly: Slowing gaining speed decrease chances to slide, and helps keep the car under control. Give plenty of space to slow down because on icy roads slowing down takes more time, and slamming on the breaks will result in sliding.
• Don’t slam on the brakes: as car tires turn friction is increased, when you slam on the brakes is when you start sliding, so don’t do it.
• Keep your gas tank at least halfway full: this hopefully will help you avoid getting stuck somewhere out of gas.
• Leave a phone charger in your car. If your phone does die it’s important to have a way to contact help, so leave a charger in the car.

Driving in the snow is not all that different from driving on clear roads. Remember to be attentive to the road and to other vehicles. The moral of the story is: driving slow will get you where you need to go, safely.