Tips for safe driving in winter conditions

UNDATED - With more snowy weather in the forecast for north Georgia Saturday and Sunday, motorists need to be cautious when on the roadways.

Here are some tips for driving in winter conditions as well as a list of supplies motorists should have with them if they do venture out during hazardous winter conditions.

SAFE TRAVEL ON THE ROAD

Winter Conditions call for different driving tactics, Ice and Snow, take it Slow - slower speed, slower acceleration, slower steering, and slower braking. Give yourself extra time to reach your destination safely. It's not worth putting yourself and others in a dangerous situation just to be on time.

-- Drive with your headlights on
-- Ice and Snow, take it Slow, Drive for conditions. Don't get overconfident with four-wheel drive. It won't help you stop any faster.
-- Drivers should allow additional room between their vehicles and others.
-- Winter road conditions often result in longer stopping distances.
-- Avoid abrupt actions while steering, braking or accelerating to lessen the chances of losing control of the vehicle.
-- Look farther ahead in traffic. Action by other drivers will alert you to problems and give you extra time to react.
-- Avoid using cruise control or overdrive. Don't let your car make a bad decision for you.
-- Stopping on snow and ice without skidding requires extra time and distance. -- If you have anti-lock brakes, press the pedal down firmly and hold it. If you don't have anti-lock brakes, gently pump the pedal. Either way, give yourself plenty of room to stop.

EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES

Here's what you'll want to have on hand, especially in an emergency:

-- Snow shovel.
-- Scraper with a brush on one end.
-- Tow chain or strap.
-- Tire chains.
-- Flashlight (with extra batteries).
-- Abrasive material (cat litter, sand, salt, or traction mats).
-- Jumper cables.
-- Warning device (flares or reflective triangles).
-- Brightly colored cloth to signal for help.
-- Empty coffee or similar type can containing candles, matches (in a water tight containter) or a lighter, high-energy food (chocolate or dried fruit, for example).
-- Sleeping bags or blankets, ski caps, and mittens.
-- First-aid supplies.
-- Compass.