State police are warning motorists, including those in St. Lawrence County, that with the changing seasons, the increased hazards of winter driving will soon arrive.

"I know there are those of us who don’t look forward to the challenges of winter driving under less than perfect conditions,” Major Charles E. Guess, Troop Commander of Troop “B” said. “With winter comes the hazards of snow, ice, and cold temperatures. However, there are a number of actions that each one of us as motor vehicle operators can take to make our winter driving safer for ourselves, and those whom we share the road with."

Troopers offered the following driving tips: Adjust your driver attitude. A defensive driving attitude is the most important factor in safe driving. A proper attitude means putting safety first and focusing your attention on your driving.

Additionally, now is an excellent time to prepare your vehicle for the winter season. Check the following items: antifreeze, windshield wipers and non-freezing windshield wash, headlights and tail lamps, heater and defroster, all hoses and belts, tires, good tread is a must; battery and alternator, engine oil, jack, lug wrench, and spare tire and consider having an engine tune up and having the brakes and exhaust checked.

In the event that you may get stranded you should also consider placing some of the following items in your car: Blanket or sleeping bag, flashlight, warm gloves and hand warmers, flares, first aid kit, hat or knit, cap, insulated foot wear, shovel, bag of salt, tow rope, ice scraper and snow brush.

Before starting on a trip: Check the weather forecast, start your vehicle and allow it to warm up for a few moments, clean all of the snow and ice from the entire vehicle, ensure the windshield is clear of frost, don’t start to drive if you only have a small area of the windshield clear, consider letting a friend or relative know where you are going and when you expect to arrive and leave plenty of time to arrive at work or appointments without having to rush.

Driving on snow or ice: slow down, adjust your speed to the existing conditions, increase the following distance between your vehicle and the one in front of you, watch out for other drivers and scan the road ahead, slow down prior to making a turn, do not slam on the brakes, do not use the cruise control, steer smoothly without jerking the wheel and always wear your seat belt.

"Winter hazards can be the most dangerous of all of the driving situations we face,” Guess said. “More people are involved in crashes during the winter than any other time. I hope by following these tips we can reduce the number of accidents and the number of people injured. I wish everyone a safe and happy winter season."