As many parts of the state are in the midst of the first few weeks of winter, the Minnesota Department of Public Safety and the Minnesota Department of Transportation is urging motorists to adapt driving skills to winter road conditions and be buckled up, patient and attentive behind the wheel.

Officials stress motorists should do the following:

• Buckle up, and make sure child restraints are secured tight enough. It is recommended to put children in restraints without heavy coats to ensure harness restraints fit properly.
• Drive at safe speeds according to road conditions and give yourself plenty of travel time.
• Increase safe stopping distance between vehicles.
• Use extra precautions when driving around snowplows by keeping at least five car-lengths behind plows.
• If skidding, remain calm, ease foot off the gas and turn the steering wheel in the direction you want the front of the vehicle to go.
• If vehicle has an anti-lock braking system, apply a steady firm pressure to the brake pedal. Never pump ABS brakes.
• Clear snow and ice from vehicle windows, hood, headlights, brake lights and directional signals.
• Headlights must be turned on when it is snowing or sleeting.
• Do not use cruise control on snow/icy/wet roads.

Motorists should equip their vehicles with a scraper/brush, small shovel, jumper cables, tow chain and a bag of sand or cat litter for tire traction. Blankets, heavy boots, warm clothing and flashlights are also important, as is storing high-energy foods such as chocolate or energy bars.

Parents of teen drivers should make sure new motorists experience snow and ice driving in a safe environment, such as an empty parking lot.

For weather-related road condition information call 511 or visit www.511mn.org.