We are in the thick of a midwest winter and it shows no sign of letting up anytime soon. With that in mind, keep these potentially fatal mistakes, courtesy of Forbes.com, in mind when you get behind the wheel:
1. DRIVING TOO FAST: Use caution when accelerating and decelerating in inclement weather. Take extra care on hills and around corners; accelerating uphill can cause wheels to spin.
2. FOLLOWING OTHERS TOO CLOSELY: While it is usually ok to allow 2 to 3 seconds space between you and the vehicle in front of you, in the winter you should allow for 5 to 6 seconds. Never use cruise control on wet roads.
3. OVERCORRECTING ON ICE: Learn how to control a skid. If you're traveling in a straight line, stay calm, take your foot off the gas and brake gently. Turn the steering wheel in the direction you want to go. If you slip on a corner, smoothly accelerate to transfer the weight to the rear wheels, which allows you to steer into the direction of the skid and regain control. If the car uses rear-wheel drive, don't over-accelerate, or the tires may over-spin completely out of the turn.
4. DRIVING WHILE FATIGUED: If you are feeling tired, switch drivers or pull over to rest.
5. DRIVING WITH POOR VISIBILITY: Driving at night or in rain or snow greatly reduces visibility. Poor weather is associated with 7,000 fatalities, 800,000 injuries and more than 1.5 million car crashes nationally each year, with an estimated economic toll of $42 billion. Adverse weather is involved in nearly 20% of highway fatalities.
6. DRIVING ON BACK ROADS: Back roads are often unplowed and less traveled--so you'll be there awhile if you get stuck. If you do get jammed and the car won't move, don't spin the wheels. That only digs a bigger hole. Start by turning your wheels right and left to push the snow away. Use a shovel to clear away snow from the car's wheels and undercarriage. Spread kitty litter, sand or gravel under the tires, and then try rocking your vehicle gently back and forth.
7. NOT PREPARING YOUR VEHICLE FOR WINTER: You should equip your vehicle with snow tires or studded tires if you have that ability, or at the very least a good all-season tread tire with the tread in good condition.
8. FAILING TO CARRY EMERGENCY GEAR: The following items could be essential if you get stuck in snow, experience car trouble or crash during the winter: warm clothing like coats, hats, gloves and socks; flares; chains; matches in a waterproof container; long-lasting food like nuts, jerky, dried fruit or granola bars; water; kitty litter or sand for traction on slippery surfaces; jumper cables; a shovel; a cellphone; a first-aid kit; a flashlight; and a spare tire.
9. LEAVING THE CAR WHEN STRANDED: If the car is stalled and there's no help in sight, stay with the vehicle (unless it's in the road). It'll be the warmest, safest place to wait until help arrives. Run the engine 10 minutes each hour for heat, and clear the exhaust pipe of snow, ice or mud. Place flares about 50 feet in front of and behind the car, turn on hazard lights and, if it's not snowing, raise the hood to indicate you need help.
10. FAILING TO CHECK WEATHER CONDITIONS BEFORE LEAVING: Watch weather reports before starting a long-distance drive or before driving into isolated areas. AAA suggests postponing road trips if especially bad weather seems likely. If you must travel, let a trusted friend know your route, destination and estimated time of arrival. Maintain at least a half-tank of gas at all times for unexpected detours, additional weight and a source of heat if you get stuck.