As winter rages on and the weather doesn’t stop, we are bound to find ourselves stuck in a snowstorm. To say the least, New Berlin West students aren’t the best drivers-especially if the conditions aren’t ideal. It’s always for the best to be prepared for these storms, so take these tips into consideration before you start up your car.

Drive slowly. This may be the simplest thing to do during bad weather, however; it is often overlooked. If you do not fear the snow and continue to drive at or above the recommended speed limit, you will end up in a ditch. Posted speed limits are there as a guideline for idyllic conditions, and those speeds are unsafe if roads are slippery or if vision is impaired.

Keep your distance. Maintain a good amount of space between you and the next car. This will keep multiple vehicle collisions to a minimum.

Clean off your car. This one’s self-explanatory, but still necessary. Make sure ice and snow has been cleared away to optimize your field of view.

Utilize your lights. During snow storms, keep your lights on. This will help you as well as oncoming drivers.

No passing. Even if you think you can, don’t. Especially if it’s a snowplow.

If you’re in a ditch, don’t panic. Shovel away the snow from your wheels. Pour kitty litter or gravel underneath the tires to gain traction. Accelerate slowly. If all else fails, call a friend with a larger vehicle or a tow truck.

Overpack. In case of emergency, make sure to keep a first aid kit, extra clothes, sunglasses, a blanket, and your cell phone in the car if conditions are looking bad.

Above all else, only drive when it’s absolutely necessary. If the roads outside your house look horrific and you don’t think you can make it, stay home or get a parent to drive you. A day’s education isn’t worth risking your expensive cars and invaluable lives.

With these tips, I hope we can keep the parking lot a collision free zone. If everyone is just a little bit smarter about driving in these dangerous wintery conditions, we could make the roads much safer for all.