Preparation is key to staying safe while driving in the winter, according to Freeborn County’s sheriff.

“Be careful in how you drive,” Sheriff Kurt Freitag said. “If you know an impending storm is coming, try to do whatever traveling you have to do ahead of time.”

He said having a winter survival kit is key and advised bringing a cellphone with a charger and a full tank of gas, using high-traveled freeways and making sure your vehicle is mechanically sound.

Winter survival kits often include a shovel, a flashlight with extra batteries, water, food, matches, small candles, hats, socks, mittens, a first aid kit, blankets and booster cables.

Freitag also advised not using cruise control on icy roads and bridges and not passing snowplows. He said a truck has already struck a snowplow this season.

He said morning frost layers can also cause slick roads, and he advised not using bald tires in inclement weather.

Freitag said the transition to the first encounters of snow and ice lead to increased accidents.

“We’re busy,” he said. “The Sheriff’s Office and State Patrol are always busy on the first snowfalls.”

Director of Public Safety Dwaine Winkels advised anyone traveling in bad weather to keep speeds down and be cautious.

“If you don’t have to be somewhere, don’t drive if it’s bad weather,” Winkels said.

In 2014, 78,396 traffic crashes were reported to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety; 361 people died and 29,439 people were injured.

According to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, there were 3,453 alcohol-related crashes in 2014 that caused 111 deaths and 2,040 injuries.