Always try to keep at least a half tank of fuel in your car. Although this is a great tip no matter the time of the year, it is critical in the winter. This will minimize your chance of running out of fuel. Also in the winter, any water in your fuel and fuel line has the potential to freeze. With less fuel and more water, the chance of this occurring is greater. Also, as everyone knows, oil and water don't mix. The water could be separated from the fuel, and the chance of fuel line freeze-ups even greater.

Before leaving to go anywhere, clear all ice and snow off of all glass, front, back and sides, off of the mirrors, the headlights and tail lights and off of your license plates. Check your windshield wipers to see if they move freely and make full contact with the windshield.

Remember all the things that your learned in driver's ed? Drive in someone else's tire tracks for better traction, but if you see ice, move out of those tracks. If you start to skid, remember, get your foot off of the gas and don't use the brake. Don't make any sudden moves.

Remember that bridges and overpasses freeze first. Intersections of roads are a common problem because all of the traffic in that area will pack down the snow and turn it to ice.

If you have anti-lock brakes, don't pump the brakes. That'll make your situation worse because you don't have your foot on the brake all of the time. Stay slow Stay slow. If you go fast, you're only going to hurt yourself and others. Drive safely.

The leading cause of death during the winter storms is transportation accidents. Winter driving can be inconvenient, annoying, and even infuriating. You can offset these aggravations and minimize the special risks of winter driving.

Prepare your vehicle for the winter season and know how to react if stranded or lost on the road. These are the keys to safe winter driving:

To prepare for winter driving remember the three Ps: –Prepare for the trip –Protect yourself –Prevent crashes on the road

Maintain your car. Have a mechanic check the following items on your car: –Battery –Antifreeze –Wipers and windshield washer fluid –Ignition system –Thermostat –Lights –Flashing hazard lights –Exhaust system –Heater –Brakes –Defroster –Oil level

Have on hand: First aid kit with pocket knife Necessary medications Several blankets Sleeping bags Extra newspapers for insulation Plastic bags for sanitation Matches Extra set of mittens, socks, and a wool cap Rain Gear and extra clothes Abrasive material (like sand or kitty litter) for generating traction under wheels Small Shovel Small tools (pliers, wrench, screwdriver) Booster cables Set of tire chains or traction mats Cards, games, puzzles Brightly colored cloth to use as a flag Canned fruits and nuts Non-electric can opener Bottled water Cell Phone Flashlight and extra batteries

Plan your route and be familiar with the maps/directions to avoid confusion. Check the weather reports and adjust starting time. Let others know how you are coming and when youll arrive.

If your car is stopped or stalled: Stay with your car Dont over exert Put a bright marker on antenna/in windows/shine dome light Clear exhaust pipe, if you run your car Run your car and heater just long enough to remove the chill and open a down wind window slightly for ventilation.

Prevent crashes: As always: drugs and alcohol dont mix with driving – it is worse on slippery roads Slow down and increase distances between cars Use your seat belt at all times

This information from… n=020203&Main=0202http:// n=020203&Main= Submitted by Arricka Nowland, Resident Advisor, Rochester Institute of Technology