Driving in the winter can be dangerous, and accidents can be prevented by following some of this Winter-driving tips.

Officer Teresa Fuller at the Spokane Police Department says that the best thing to do in Winter driving conditions is be prepared.

“I almost always see a crash due to someone who just didn’t take the time to scrape their windshield off and couldn’t see,” said Fuller.

She suggests making sure that lights and windshield wipers are working properly and equipping vehicles with snow tires, studded, or walnut tires. Drivers should also be sure that their heater works, and that they wipe snow off their headlights to make their vehicle as visible to others as possible.

“While driving, one should always keep a far distance from other cars and cut down on distractions as much as you can,” said Fuller. “People are trying to multitask while driving too often these days. 110 percent of your attention should be on the road.”

Even rain should be reason for drivers to slow their speeds and increase their following distance. According to driversedguru.com, when a driver is in a spin due to rain, snow or ice, it is best to get your foot off the accelerator and the brake, steer gently in the direction you want the car to go, and as you begin to regain control of the car, gently apply the brakes or the accelerator depending on the type of skid.

This will help redistribute the weight of the car to the appropriate wheels, which will help regain some traction. “The trick is to remain calm and do not over steer,” said Fuller.

“Winter driving blows,” said SFCC student, Gabe Wooddell. “Besides the fact that you can drift more easily, I do like to do that a lot.”

Wooddell drives a stick-shift (manual transmission) and says that it is a lot easier to control the outcome of winter conditions that affect driving. This includes gearing down instead of braking to avoid sliding or spinning.

“As long as you know how to drive a manual, you tend to have more control over your car in winter conditions,” Wooddell said.

The Washington State Department Of Transportation (WSDOT) also has tips for winter driving on their website. Their advice is to drive according to the weather conditions, slow down, use vehicle headlights at all times, do not use cruise control, and allow plenty of stopping distance when approaching a light or stop sign.

Drivers should also be aware that driving a 4-wheel drive or all-wheel drive vehicle does not mean it will stop or steer better in the winter. If a driver is stuck behind a plow, it is okay to pass, but drivers should slow down and give the plow extra space.

“Just remember, the best thing to do in Winter is to be prepared,” said Fuller.