To promote safety on the roadways during the winter season, the Michigan State Police offer the following reminders for travelers:

• Keep tires at the car manufacturer’s recommended pressure, and routinely check tire pressure during cold weather.

• Keep windshield solvent at full strength, and make sure the reservoir is full. Also, keep new wiper blades on front and rear wipers.

• A freshly washed car is more visible to other drivers. Remove ice and snow from all lights, windows, and the license plate before driving.

• Periodically check all lights and replace when necessary.

• Prepare a winter driving survival kit. The kit should include items such as an extra winter coat, pants, hat, boots, gloves; a flashlight with batteries; candle and candle holder; a dry container filled with matches; jumper cables; tow strap; first aid kit; shovel; salt or kitty litter; road flares; and a spare tire and jack.

“Michigan weather is unpredictable any time of the year, but especially during the winter months,” said Sergeant James Flegel of the Michigan State Police Precision Driving Unit.

“The most important fact to remember is the handling capability of your car is drastically reduced in winter weather, so it is best to use a slower speed to compensate for poor handling,” he said.

In addition, troopers remind motorists to be aware of several factors when stopping and turning in winter weather. They advise motorists to remember to do all braking before a turn is made and to take the proper line of travel through the turn. Doing so will reduce the potential for a skid to occur.

If the car begins to skid, correct the problem by letting off the throttle, staying off the brakes, and use a quick, hand-over-hand steering technique to turn the front tires in the desired direction.

To check road conditions before traveling, police encourage travelers to visit the Winter Travel Advisory Web site at www. michigan.gov/roadconditions.