As another dose of wintry weather takes aim at Oklahoma, AAA offers its best tips for driving on ice and snow.

Before you leave:

Cold weather starts require a healthy battery. If yours is more than 2 years old, have it checked.
Make sure your tires are properly inflated and have sufficient tread.
Top off all fluids under the hood. Check belts and hoses.
Stock your trunk with jumper cables, an ice scraper and snow brush, first aid kit, paper towels, working flashlight, snacks, simple tools (pliers, crescent wrench, screwdrivers, etc.), extra warm clothing and blankets.
Carry a cell phone and charger cord with you in the vehicle.
For added traction in a rear-wheel car or pickup, place weighty objects such as cinder blocks or bags of sand in the trunk or truck bed.
It will take you longer to reach your destination. Allow extra time.
Dress for the weather in layers.
Clear ice and snow from all windows.
Never warm up a vehicle in an enclosed area, such as a garage.

As you drive:

Remember that bridges and overpasses will ice up first.
Beware of “black ice” – ice on asphalt pavement you cannot see.
Allow extra space between you and the vehicle in front of you.
Anticipate the flow of traffic and time your movement through intersections equipped with traffic signals so as to minimize the use of your brakes.
Avoid sudden steering movements, sudden braking and sudden accelerating. These actions will throw your vehicle into a skid on slick pavement.
If you do begin to skid, don't panic, take your foot off the brake or gas pedal and steer the vehicle in the direction you want to go.
Traction is greatest just before your wheels start to spin.
* All vehicles take about the same distance to stop, whether 4-wheel drive or not.
Do not use cruise control when driving on slippery surfaces.
Buckle up, limit distractions inside the vehicle and expect the unexpected.

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