During the winter, driving can be risky and difficult at times. Before you can even think straight, you are slamming on the brakes and plowing into a head-on collision. Unfortunately this scenario plays out several times during the winter travel season. As a seasoned driver you may think you can handle the winter roads, but one factor that you may be overlooking is the inexperienced, unaware drivers.

There are definitely tips and precautions you can put into practice to make sure you are fully prepared for safe winter travel. Do not try to act brave and assume no precautions need to be taken because of your years of driving experience. As this may be true, not even experienced drivers can always control a car on ice. The ice overtakes control of the automobile leaving you the one without control.

Here are some tips to plan and have organized before driving in the winter:

1) Dress appropriately for the winter driving. In case of an accident you want to keep warm in order to have free movement and not be restricted.

2) View the weather reports on your local station or go to The Weather Network to check on local conditions before doing any winter travel.

3) Make sure you are well rested and alert before you get into the car. During winter driving, you need to be awake and have full attention on your driving.

4) Prepare the car with non-perishable items and plenty of water incase you are caught in a snow storm. Keep your cell phone on at all times so you will be able to make that quick call.

Now that you are ready to depart for winter travel, here are some tips to help you stay safe while driving.

1) Allow extra distance between cars.

2) When you realize you are on ice, accelerate slowly and brake steadily. Do not slam on the brakes. Make sure you are continuously pumping the brakes until you can come to a safe stop.

3) If you do start sliding on the ice, make sure you always steer into the skid. This means steer the car in the direction of the backend. Do not jerk the car as this will send you into a spin.

4) If you have ABS, remember in the winter weather this system will need more distance to come to a complete stop.

5) The most important tip is to stay alert and keep your eyes on the road at all times during winter travel.

If you are unsure of how to drive in the winter, then you may want to consider taking an advanced driving course for winter weather. Here are a few winter driving courses to consider:

Ottawa Area - http://www.mco.org/cms/index.php?name=Content&pa=showpage&pid=11

East GTA Area - http://www.accentdrivingschool.com/course-driving-schedule.php

Eastern Ontario Area - http://www.drivingskills.on.ca/

West GTA Area - http://www.skidcontrolschool.com/

As always, the best option is to stay off the roads during severe winter weather. If this is not an option, then make sure to use the above tips to be prepared for your winter travel.

Liane Wood is a chartered insurance professional and registered insurance broker specializing in personal and small business insurance. Visit her website at: http://www.Insurance-Rates.ca.