Winter weather driving tips

BISMARCK, N.D. (KFYR) - The Bismarck area had snowfall on the first day of November. This was only a dusting and a majority of the snow melted as it hit the ground.

It snowed in Williston and Minot on Nov. 16, causing some traffic issues as the snow melted and then froze on the road.

Now we are heading into winter. Winter can always come with a wide variety of conditions. Sometimes we can get ice storms like last December with up to an inch of ice.

When driving, there are not many ways to help yourself on ice, short of putting chains on your tires. Just take your time. Don’t slam on your brakes or hit the gas hard. Leave extra room between you and other vehicles. In winter, if the road looks wet, assume it’s icy.

If ice isn’t the problem, then it’s snow or even blowing snow, which can create visibility issues. Turn on your headlights. Leave extra room between you and the other vehicles on the road. Blowing snow can also make the roads slick.

Large amounts of snow can cause vehicles to get stuck. If this happens, don’t panic. If you can, dig out your tires. As you hit the gas, turn your steering wheel slightly.

Have a winter emergency kit in your car in case you do get stuck in the snow and can’t get out. This can include a shovel to help dig yourself or others out; extra layers to wear like snow pants, gloves, hats and even blankets; bottled water and snacks like granola bars.

The big reminders for winter driving are: to take extra time and leave extra room between you and others, turn on your headlights, don’t hit the brakes hard, and most of the time, take it easy on the gas. And most of all, don’t panic.