Driving in snow, slush, or on icy roads requires a different approach than driving in normal weather conditions. Combining common sense with preparation usually results in a safe winter driver. Here are nine tips for safer winter driving:

Always Drive With Your Headlights On

Even if you feel you don't need your headlights on to see the road, turn them on so other motorists can see you. When the daylight is dimmer because of cloud cover some color of cars can blend in with the fog, roadway, or reflections.

Drive For The Conditions

If the roads are icy, slow down. Drive for the conditions you are in, not the conditions you wish the road were in.

Make Room When Stopping

Stopping on snow, ice, and even in slush without skidding requires extra time and space. If you have anti-lock brakes, press the pedal down firmly and hold it to the floor. If you don't have anti-lock brakes, gently pump the pedal. In both instances make sure you allow yourself plenty of room between you and another vehicle, an object or person, or a stop sign to come to a stop.

Avoid Cutting Off Large Trucks

Large trucks and semi-trucks require greater distance to stop because of their weight. If you cut off a large truck in winter driving conditions, it may not be able to stop in time to avoid hitting you or something else.

Look Farther Up The Road

Many only pay attention to the road, weather, and traffic conditions of the exact spot their vehicle is in. Focus your attention farther up the road and pay attention to the roadway that you're driving towards. Other drivers actions (braking, swerving, stopping, etc.) can be a sort of tip-off as to what lays ahead.

Avoid Cruise Control

Cruise control is a great modern feature for the open road in good weather. Using cruise control in severe winter weather can be disastrous as your car could hit ice or slush and continue to use the accelerator.

Allow More Room

When driving in winter conditions, allow more room between you and all vehicles (driving or parked) that are around you. More room is needed to stop your car when you are on ice or slush, the same is true for other drivers.

Slow Down For Trouble Spots

Most collisions occur at intersections, off ramps, bridges, and shaded areas. Slowing down before you enter one of these spots can mean the difference between being involved in an accident and driving right on by.

Avoid Abrupt Actions

Avoiding abrupt actions whether they are swerving, accelerating, or stopping will decrease the likelihood of you being involved in an accident of some sort.

Using common sense and being careful can get most motorists through the winter driving season unscathed. Drive safe, drive smart.