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Think you know how to drive in the snow and ice? Check these tips

Slow down. Increase your following distance. Brake slowly and gently. Drive with your lights on. Bring survival supplies.

When it comes to snow in the Pacific Northwest, we've developed a bit of a stigma: Either people are too scared to drive because they don't know how to navigate the snow and ice, or they think they know how to drive in it but they don't.

It's not surprising. We don't often get enough snow that it affects driving conditions. But icy roads can happen whether snow falls or not.

RELATED: Icy roads cause wrecks, traffic delays in Portland after overnight snowfall

Regardless of your experience, if you cause a collision, insurance companies aren't likely to be forgiving just because the roads were slick. So your best defense is knowing how to drive in this stuff.

Here are some basic tips:

Slow down

This should go without saying, but you still see people trying to go 60 when it's below freezing on wet roads.

"Pay attention, leave space, and don't drive too fast for the conditions," said Jordan Cassidy, an instructor with Defensive Driving School in Seattle's University District.

Increase your following distance

If you're a tailgater, good luck if the person in front of you has to slam on the brakes while on ice.

Cassidy said a 10-second following distance is sometimes necessary in icy conditions.

"Normally you want four seconds, but in icy conditions, more is always better," he said, explaining to pick a fixed point, like a stop sign, and when the car ahead of you reaches it, then start counting until your car reaches the same point.

Braking

When you see you're about to come to a place you need to stop, don't wait until the last minute. Take your foot off the gas and, if you can, shift to neutral so it takes power away from the drive wheels. Brake slowly and gently.

"You never want to have sudden braking or sudden acceleration," said Cassidy.

Let your windows defrost before you leave

Don't try to navigate through a pinhole-sized opening in the frost on your windshield.

Drive with your lights on

Keep your headlights on, even in the daylight. This is good practice even if it's not snowing.

"One of the biggest problems people get into in snowy conditions or any other sort of conditions, is they have the exact same driving habits as when it's nice outside," said Cassidy.

Check your tires

The best move is to get snow tires. But if you decide against that, be sure your regular tires have plenty of tread. And make sure they're properly inflated.

Replace your windshield wiper blades

Check to see if your wiper blades are worn and if they are, replace them. Also, make sure your washer fluid is full with nonfreezing fluid.

Check your antifreeze

Make sure it will protect your engine in sub-freezing temperatures.

Bring survival supplies

Nobody plans to get stuck in a ditch. That's usually when they get stuck in a ditch. Have some food and water that can last you a couple of days if you get stranded, particularly if you're traveling in rural areas. And have a first aid kit.

Have the following items ready to go in your car

  • Flashlight
  • Blankets
  • Chains (and practice putting them on before you need them)
  • Ice scraper
  • Shovel
  • Gloves

If you end up in a crash or your car breaks down on the road, stay in your car. Don't assume others can see you or will be able to stop for you if you get out.

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