Buckle up. The winter driving season is upon us. So, if you’re new to Colorado or it’s just been a while since you’ve driven in winter conditions, it’s always a good idea get a quick refresher on how to drive in snow and ice in Colorado.

Before you drive in snow and ice

You should always be prepared before heading out into snowy and icy road conditions. From winterizing your vehicle to packing the essentials, here’s the checklist to make sure you’re prepared for winter driving conditions.

1. Check your tires

Always make sure your tires have good tread and are properly inflated in winter driving conditions. In the high country, commercial vehicles should make sure to obey Colorado’s chain law.

2. Keep an emergency kit in your vehicle

You never know what’s going to happen out there, so it’s always a good idea to have an emergency kit in your vehicle. Pack extra cold-weather gear, including warm clothing and blankets.

The Colorado Department of Transportation also recommends keeping a gallon of water, a first aid kid and essential medications, a flashlight with extra batteries, a glass scraper/snow brush tool, jumper cables, tire chains and a tow strap, flares or reflectors to signal for help or warn other drivers, a battery or crank-powered radio to listen to emergency broadcasts.

CDOT also recommends keeping non-perishable snacks, hand warmers, non-clumping kittle litter or sand for traction and a deck of cards or a board game to pass the time.

3. Fill up your gas and wiper fluid

AAA recommends always having at least half a tank of gas in your vehicle at all times when driving in winter conditions. Drivers of electric vehicles should make sure they have plenty of charge, and a plan of where to recharge. It’s also essential to fill up your wiper fluid before driving to help keep your windshield clear.

4. Plan ahead, give yourself extra time

Snow and ice on the roadways will mean longer drive times. Plan your route ahead of time to avoid areas that could be treacherous and give yourself extra time to arrive.

Winter driving tips on snow and ice

AAA recommends staying home in snowy and icy conditions, if at all possible. But if you must venture out, there are several things to keep in mind in order to get to your destination safely.

1. Watch your speed

Most crashes in snowy and icy conditions occur when drivers are going too fast for the conditions, CDOT said. So slow down and take your time to get there. And never use cruise control on slippery surfaces, AAA said.

2. Do things one at a time

CDOT said there are three things you do most when driving: accelerate, turn and brake. But when driving on snow and ice, you should only do one of these things at a time. Trying to do two of these things at once can cause slide-outs or spinouts, which can lead to dangerous situations.

3. Give yourself more space

AAA recommends increasing your follow distance to five to six seconds behind the car in front of you. That extra space will give you more time to stop.

4. Take it easy on the pedals

Hitting the gas too hard can cause your tires to spin out. Slamming on the brakes can result in a spinout. So, accelerate slowly, brake gradually and leave your lead foot at home.

5. Use momentum to your advantage

As you approach a traffic light, try to avoid coming to a complete stop if you can. AAA says to slow down enough that you’ll keep rolling until the light changes. You never want to stop on a hill because you might slide back down if it’s icy, or your wheels might spin out when you try to get started again. AAA says to let your inertia carry you to the top of a hill and then reduce your speed gradually as you hit the crest. But don’t power up the hill or your tires might spin out. When traveling downhill, CDOT says to switch to a lower gear, if possible.

6. How to handle a skid

The best way to avoid a skid is to follow the tips above and not get into one. But, if you find yourself skidding out, it’s recommended to take your foot off the pedals and steer toward the direction you want to go, according to the AARP. You may need to overcorrect once you’re out of the skid to stay on course.

7. Always pay attention

The best way to stay safe in snowy and icy driving conditions is to pay attention to your surroundings. CDOT says “signage is your best friend,” because it can help you be ready for sudden turns or stops. So, keep your eyes on the road, set your radio station in advance and don’t be messing with your phone.

8. Stay in your vehicle

If you’re involved in a crash, or encounter one, always stay in your vehicle. CDOT says you’re safer inside your car than outside of it. Use your cell phone to call for help if needed.