CHENANGO COUNTY – Winter is the most difficult driving season, and with fewer hours of daylight, things can get even trickier. The New York State Department of Transportation and the Chenango County Bureau of Fire have a few Winter driving tips to help keep you and your family safe this season.

Maintain your vehicle

• Prepare your vehicle for the winter season by installing good snow tires that have adequate tread; always having a windshield scraper and small broom for ice and snow removal; and always keep at least a half tank of gas.

• Have a mechanic check your battery, brakes, exhaust system, lights, wiper blades, tire tread and all fluid levels to ensure your vehicle is ready for snowfall.

• Clear all windows, headlights, taillights, wipers and the roof of your vehicle of snow and ice before you start driving.

• Never combine radial and non-radial tires on the same vehicle. On front-wheel drive cars, it’s best to put snow tires or “all-season” tires on all four wheels, not just the front.

• Make sure your car is stocked with survival gear like blankets, a shovel, flashlight and extra batteries, extra warm clothing, a set of tire chains, battery booster cables, quick energy foods and brightly colored cloth to use as a distress flag.

Dress for the season

• Wear loose, lightweight, warm clothing in several layers. Trapped air between the layers acts as an insulator. Layers can be removed to avoid perspiration and subsequent chill.

• Always wear a hat or cap on your head since half of your body heat could be lost through an uncovered head.

• Cover your mouth with a scarf to protect your lungs from extreme cold when out in the elements.

• Mittens, snug at the wrist, are better than gloves because fingers maintain more warmth when they touch each other.

What to do if you’re stranded

• Stay with your vehicle and wait for help to find you. Always have a charged cell phone when driving in poor weather conditions and call 911 if you become stranded or stalled.

• Run your engine for short periods of time to stay warm, keeping one down-wind window slightly ajar for fresh air. Make sure your exhaust pipe is clear of snow to avoid carbon monoxide backup.

• Tie a piece of brightly colored fabric to your antenna for rescuers to see.

• Keep warm by loosening tight clothing, moving your arms and legs vigorously, massage your fingers and toes, tuck your hands between your legs or armpits, and elevate your feet.

Share the road

• The safest place to drive behind a snowplow is at least eight car lengths.

• Passing a snowplow is dangerous because the plow creates a ridge of snow to its side that can cause you to lose control of your vehicle. The plow also creates a snow cloud which causes total white-out conditions making it hard to see oncoming vehicles as well as the snowplow blade which can extend further than the truck’s width.

• Never pass a snowplow on the right. The operator’s visibility is restricted due to plow blades and de-icing equipment. If you can’t see the driver’s side mirrors, he/she cannot see you.

One last tip from these agencies is to stay home. If you’re not comfortable driving in particular conditions, don’t. If it’s necessary, make sure someone knows your travel plans.

For additional safety tips, visit the NYSDOT or Chenango Fire EMS websites.