How to stay safe while driving in winter weather

The Illinois Department of Transportation’s first advice for winter weather is to skip the trip or take public transportation. For drivers who have to go out, the agency said winter is a crucial time to drive carefully.Snow and ice make roads hazardous, and extreme cold raises the danger for anyone whose car gets stranded.While on the road• Slow down on snow and ice. Leave extra space around other vehicles, especially snowplows, salt trucks, and stopped emergency vehicles.• Buckle up and put the phone down. Seat belts and a ban on hand-held devices are both Illinois law, and both matter more when conditions turn bad.• Watch for black ice, especially near intersections, bridges, overpasses, ramps, and shaded areas, which are more likely to freeze.• If the car skids, ease off the gas or brakes and steer into the skid until you regain control.• Before a storm trip, check the weather and your route online, and tell someone where you are going and how you plan to get there.• Keep windows cl