Let's face it, winter driving is annoying, stressful and at times... dangerous.  So, while the best advice in bad weather is not to drive, there are times when it can't be avoided.  Here are some basic tips to help you stay safe when Mother Nature is having a bad day.

• Be sure your car is ready:  Check your battery, wiper blades, tires, belts, antifreeze and heater
• Drive slower:  A no-brainer.  You may be in a hurry to get somewhere, but if the roads are bad...fast will only get you in a ditch or up against someone else's car. 
• Clean the snow off your entire windshield:  What's with the people who only clean a round circle on the front and back windshields?  Visibility is bad enough without blocking out 90% of your field of vision.
• Clean the snow off the roof of your car:  Now a law in many states, that snow is going to fly off at some point...right onto the windshield of the car behind you.
• Turn on your headlights:  Not so much for you, but for the driver who might not see you otherwise
• Remember, 4-wheel drive is not 4-wheel stop:  Breaking is dicey on snowy or icy roads, and 4-wheel drive offers no benefits in the amount of time and distance needed to stop.

Just use common sense and though it may take longer, you will arrive safely.