Nobody enjoys driving in snow. Even if you have a souped-up F-150, navigating the treacherous, snow-covered roads can be a lofty challenge. As a result, the American Automobile Association (AAA, also known as "Triple A") has issued a special warning specific for Iowa-Minnesota drivers as the winter season is roughly a month away.

The Tri-State region is especially dangerous in the wintertime given the surplus of peaks and hills that exist all over the area. As such, AAA issued a press release reminding drivers what defensive driving means and how to practice it:

According to AAA, here are some tips drivers should heed in order to stay safe during the winter months:

  • Before starting out in snowy weather, take time to remove the snow from the entire car so it doesn’t blow onto your windshield or the windshields of other drivers.
  • Go slow in snow.
  • Watch for icy surfaces on bridges and intersections, even when the rest of the road seems to be in good condition.
  • Look farther ahead in traffic. Actions by other drivers will alert you to problems and give you extra seconds to react.
  • When changing lanes, avoid cutting in front of trucks, which need more time and distance than passenger vehicles to stop.
  • Don’t use cruise control when roads are wet, snowy or icy.
  • Remember that four-wheel drive helps you to get going quicker, but it won’t help you stop any faster.
  • In the event of a skid, ease off the accelerator and don’t lock the brakes. Carefully steer in the direction you want the vehicle to go and straighten the wheel as soon as the car begins to go in the desired direction.
Photo Credit: trendobjects, GettyStock
Photo Credit: trendobjects, GettyStock
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AAA also outlined the proper preparation for frigid weather conditions. They elaborated by advising motorists ensure scheduled maintenance is completed. I can relate by adding that I recently took my car in for a basic diagnostics inspection as well as my routine oil change. I drive a 12-year-old Honda, and I'm always uber-paranoid about making sure it's running smoothly.

AAA adds that keeping an emergency kit in your vehicle is critical. An emergency kit should include the following items:

  • Cell phone
  • Boots
  • Gloves
  • Blanket
  • Alternate heat source
  • Shovel
  • First aid kit
Photo Credit: MarianVejcik, GettyStock
Photo Credit: MarianVejcik, GettyStock
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It also probably doesn't hurt to keep a snow and ice scraper in your car, as well as some liquid de-icer. Both those items never leave my vehicle, not even in the summer. You can read AAA's full statement/press release on their website.

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