Check out 5 winter driving tips to help you make it through the slushy, icy, slick, cooooold winter season. Following a few simple rules will keep you safe while getting from A to B.

Snow, ice, sleet…oh my.

Growing up in Wisconsin, winter weather, snow storms, and black ice were common occurrences. They were annoying but not something that would keep you home. However, in the South, it is totally different. Even the threat of snow means no school and a run on bread, milk, and Zinfandel at the grocery store.

January is typically the worst month for winter driving in the South, so I asked my friends at Chevy for some winter driving tips.

Think you can’t find snow in the South? 365AtlantaTraveler says heck yes!

Surprising Winter Weather Statistics

Chevy shared some interesting statistics about winter weather road conditions that may be surprising. For example…

• Temperatures between 24 and 34 degrees Fahrenheit are the most dangerous for driving a vehicle.
• Driving on snow offers 50% less traction than on dry roads.
• Driving on ice offers 75% less traction than on dry, clear roads.

5 Winter Driving Tips Especially For Southerners

1. Maintain your momentum.

If you must travel up a hill in snowy conditions, it’s essential to leave enough room in front of you. And do everything you can to maintain your momentum while traveling uphill. Stopping in the middle of a hill can result in the driver becoming stuck.

2. Change lanes warily.

If you are going to change lanes, you actually may want to look for patches of snow-covered pavement and head towards them. Surprisingly, these areas often provide better traction for maneuvers. Once you signal for your turn and begin to change lanes if the vehicle slips, it’s crucial to remember not to over-correct or panic.

3. When skidding, don’t pump the brakes.

One of the most important winter driving tips is NOT to pump the brakes when sliding or skidding. Stay calm. Look where you want the car to go and steer smoothly in that direction. For modern vehicles with antilock brakes, you still shouldn’t pump the brakes. Instead, maintain pressure on the pedal and let the ABS system modulate the braking.

4. Be patient if the vehicle gets stuck.

Depending on your vehicle’s ground clearance and the snow conditions, you can sometimes gently rock the vehicle free if it gets stuck. It may take a few attempts, though. Start by turning the steering wheel left and right to clear the area around the front wheels. You can also use a snow shovel if you have one handy. Turn off any traction system. Gently shift back and forth between reverse and a low forward gear, spinning the wheels as little as possible. This creates a rocking motion that may help free the vehicle. However, if, after a few attempts, you are unsuccessful, it’s important to know when to call for help.

5. Know when to call for help.

Many recent-model vehicles give you the option to call OnStar for assistance. If you are in danger, calling 9-1-1 should always be your first thought. If you need to stay in the car while it is stuck, check out the winter driving tips section of your owner’s manual. It should have detailed instructions for intermittently running the vehicle to keep the interior warm. Be sure to clear snow from the base of the vehicle, especially any snow blocking the exhaust pipe. Open a window about two inches on the side of the vehicle away from the wind to bring in the fresh air. One of the critical winter driving tips should always be to know when to ask for help.

Want a small SUV? The Chevy Equinox might be just the car for you. Check out my recent review.