Plan you travel and check the latest weather conditions along your travel route.  Listen to weather forecasts on TV, local radio stations or NOAA Weather Radio.  Call 1-800-452-IDOT to get current road conditions for Illinois' interstate and freeway systems.  Information is updated every two hours during a storm.  Winter driving is often the most difficult due to rain, fog, snow or sleet.  there are fewer daylight hours.

Check your wipers, tires, lights and fluid levels (radiator, windshield washer, power steering, oil and brakes).  Lubricate door and trunk locks with lock lubricant to prevent them from freezing.

Travel during daylight hours on main roads (avoid back-road shortcuts) and don't travel alone.

Carry a Winter Storm Survival Kit in your vehicle

Provide your itinerary to a friend, relative or co-workers.  Include information on where you are going, the routes you will travel and when you expect to arrive.  When you reach your destination, make a call to report that you have arrived.

Start your trip with a full tank of gas.

Buckle your seat belts!

Be prepared to turn back and seek shelter if conditions become threatening.

In fog, drive with your headlights set on dim, or use fog lights.  If the fog is too dense, pull off the roadway at a safe location.  Do not drive at five or ten miles per hour.

In rain, fog, snow, or sleet, do not overdrive your headlights.  Stay within the limits of your vision.

Keep your windows clear of snow and ice.  Do not start until your windshield is defrosted.

Drive slower and increase your following distance.  Your speed should be adjusted for the conditions and match the flow of traffic.

Roadway conditions may vary depending on the sun, shade, or roadway surface.  Watch for slick spots especially under bridges, on overpasses and in shaded spots.  Be prepared to react physically and mentally to deteriorating conditions.

If the pavement is snow or ice covered, start slowly and brake gently.  Begin braking early when you come to an intersection.  If you start to slide, ease off the gas pedal or brakes.  Steer into the direction of the skid until you feel you have regained traction then straighten your vehicle.

When a snowplow is coming toward you, allow plenty of room for the truck to pass.  When the center line is being cleared and salted, the plow tip may be on or over the line.  Snowplows are big, heavy pieces of equipment.  so play if safe and give them room to pass.

When you approach a snowplow from behind, pass with care and only when you can see the road ahead of the truck.  You should not try to pass in blowing snow; there may be a vehicle in that cloud of snow.  Allow more distance between you and the plow which may be spreading salt.

Be alert when you approach a cloud of snow that covers the road, especially on passing lanes of interstates or freeways.  A snowplow may be at work clearing the lane or preparing to turn around.

Be careful after a minor rear end accident.  If you are bumped from behind and you do not feel comfortable exiting your vehicle, motion the other driver and drive to the nearest police station or other safe location.

While traveling, refuel often, keeping your gas tank near full to prevent ice in the tank and fuel lines which could leave you stranded.  These frequent stops should relieve tense muscles.