Winter weather is upon us and before you venture out into adverse conditions there are several simple precautions that you can take to stay safe on the roadway:

- Winterize your car! Make sure your car is up to date with fluids, brakes, fuel (keep at least half a tank), a tire check, as well as a battery check (car service shops usually offer this for free).

- Keep a winter emergency kit.  Kits are available to buy but you can create your own to include an ice scraper, blanket, meal bars, jumper cables, flashlight, portable charger for cell phone, etc.

- SLOW DOWN during inclement weather.  As a general rule, stay 5-6 seconds behind the vehicle in front of you. ALWAYS wear your seat belt and know the limitations of your vehicle in the snow and ice in regards to braking, acceleration, and handling.

- Check the weather and plan ahead of time.  Know your route and the time of day you'll be traveling.  Rush hour will have more traffic and less commonly traveled roadways will be slicker in snow/ice.

- STAY ALERT AT ALL TIMES. Put the phone away and keep your eyes on the roadway. The ability to safely slow your vehicle will decrease dramatically in snow and ice.

- BE VISIBLE!!!!! We all know head lamps will not help with seeing the roadway in the day time while it is raining or snowing. This law is not for that purpose. Pennsylvania Law requires all motor vehicles to activate their head lamps:

1. Between sunset and sunrise

2. Anytime the operator cannot discern a person or vehicle from a distance of 1,000 ft due to unfavorable atmospheric conditions including rain/snow/sleet/fog etc.

3. ANYTIME THE VEHICLES WINDSHIELD WIPERS ARE ACTIVATED DUE TO ATMOSPHERIC CONDITIONS TO INCLUDE RAIN/SNOW/SLEET, REGARDLESS OF TIME OF DAY.

If you have any questions or need further suggestions, please feel free to contact the Westtown East Goshen Police Department or me, Ofc. Scott Warner. Happy Holidays and Drive Safely.