By MARY DAVISON
St. Lawrence County Traffic Safety Program

The North Country’s weather is unpredictable this time of year.

Law enforcement officials report that there is usually an uptick in collisions as motorists get re-accustomed to driving in the snow and slush after months—or even days—of cruising on dry roads.

Most of these could be avoided if drivers prepare for winter, practice winter driving skills and protect themselves and their passengers.

The St. Lawrence County Traffic Safety Program is providing the following advice from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to help motorists be safer on the roads this year:

• PREPARE YOUR VEHICLE: Make sure you have enough coolant in your vehicle and that it's designed to withstand the winter temperatures. If your system hasn't been “flushed” (draining the system and replacing the coolant) for several years, have it done now.

A 50/50 mix of coolant to water is sufficient for most regions of the country. See your vehicle owner's manual for specific recommendations.

Fill your windshield washer reservoir with “no-freeze” fluid. Buy extra to keep on hand in your vehicle.

Check your windshield wipers and defrosters. Make sure your windshield wipers work and replace worn blades. In the North Country, consider installing heavy-duty winter wipers.

• KNOW YOUR CAR: Every vehicle handles somewhat differently; this is particularly true when driving on wet, icy, or snowy roads. Take time now to learn how to best handle your vehicle under winter weather driving conditions.

Practice cold weather driving after it snows— but not on a main road! Until you've sharpened your winter weather driving skills and know how your vehicle handles in snowy conditions, it's best to practice in an empty lot in full daylight.

Drive slowly. It's harder to control or stop your vehicle on a slick or snow-covered surface. On the road, sufficiently increase your following distance so you'll have plenty of time to stop for vehicles ahead of you.

A word of caution about braking: Know what kind of brakes your vehicle has and how to use them properly. In general, if you have anti-lock brakes, apply firm pressure; if you have non anti-lock brakes, pump the brakes gently.

If you find yourself in a skid, stay calm and ease your foot off the gas while carefully steering in the direction you want the front of your vehicle to go. This procedure, known as "steering into the skid," will bring the back end of your car in line with the front.

• PLAN YOUR TRAVEL AND ROUTE: Keep yourself and others safe by planning ahead before you venture out into bad weather.

Check the weather, road conditions, and traffic; plan to leave early if necessary. In New York, you can dial 511 (or 888-GO511NY {888-465-1169}) if your carrier does not subscribe to the 511 system). You can also access the site on the web at www.511ny.org/

Don't rush! Allow plenty of time to get to your destination safely.

Familiarize yourself with directions and maps before you go, and let others know your route and anticipated arrival time.

Keep your gas tank close to full. If you get stuck in a traffic jam or in snow, you might need more fuel to get home or keep warm. Note: To avoid carbon monoxide poisoning when stuck in snow, be sure to keep your vehicle's exhaust pipe clear of snow and ice, run your vehicle only in the open with the windows partially down, and run it only long enough to keep warm.

If road conditions are hazardous, avoid driving if possible. Wait until road and weather conditions improve before venturing out in your vehicle.

• STOCK YOUR VEHICLE: Carry items in your vehicle to handle common winter driving tasks — such as cleaning off your windshield — as well as a fully charged cell phone, and other supplies you might need in an emergency. Keep the following on hand:

Snow shovel, broom, and ice scraper.

Abrasive material, such as sand or kitty litter, in case your vehicle gets stuck in the snow.

Jumper cables, flashlight, and warning devices, such as flares and markers.

Blankets for protection from the cold.

A cell phone, water, food, and any necessary medicine (for longer trips or when driving in lightly populated areas).

• LEARN WHAT TO DO IN A WINTER EMERGENCY: If you are stopped or stalled in wintry weather, follow these safety rules:

Stay with your car and don't overexert yourself.

Put bright markers on the antenna or windows and keep the interior dome light turned on.

To avoid asphyxiation from carbon monoxide poisoning, don't run your car for long periods with the windows up or in an enclosed space. If you must run your vehicle, clear the exhaust pipe of any snow and run it only sporadically just long enough to stay warm!