Authorities are encouraging motorists to exercise due care during snowstorms, and days after, and avoid all unnecessary travel.

Keep these tips in mind when traveling during winter weather:

1. Motorists traveling in areas impacted by snow are asked to begin their departure with enough extra time to make a slow and careful drive to your destination.

2. Take into consideration snow accumulation on the roads, the current snowfall rate, the wind, and visibility.

3. Use your best judgment to determine if driving is prudent.

4. Get the latest weather forecast before leaving.

5. Always clean your windows and mirrors fully of any snow and ice before driving.

6. Keep a full tank of gas.

7. Ensure fluid levels are sufficient (windshield washer fluid, antifreeze).

8. Ensure your spare tire is sufficient, and you have the jack and wheel wrench.

9. Use headlights at all times to increase your visibility to others. Remember, if your windshield wipers are in use due to weather, then your headlights must be on.

10. Drive prudently. If the conditions are adverse, you should decrease your speed accordingly.

11. Brake early.

12. Do not use cruise control. This decreases your reaction time to apply braking.

13. Look out for events farther down the road. Creating more time to react can make a difference.

14. Be aware of maintenance vehicles and emergency vehicles. Give them room to work.

15. If you do not absolutely have to go out on the roads, then do not.

16. Obey travel restrictions and bans.

17. Make sure your trunk is supplied to help you be safe in case you are stopped, or stranded in an area without assistance readily available. Store gloves, blankets, warmers, tool kit, first-aid kit, non-perishable foods, water, working flashlight and batteries, cellphone charger, shovel, ice scraper, de-icer, snow brush, rock salt or cat litter, tow chain or cable, jumper cables or battery charger.

18. If you drive off the roadway, and are stuck in a snowbank or ditch, stay in your vehicle and call 911. Do not exit your vehicle unless it is an absolute emergency.

19. Roll your windows down a few inches or turn your vehicle off if you are stranded in deep snow for a period of time with your vehicle running. Covered mufflers can cause serious physical injury or death due to inhalation of carbon monoxide.

20. If you should become stranded on any interstate or parkway, know your location by being aware of both your direction and mile post marker. This will help emergency personnel reach your location as quick as possible.