Nashville, Tennessee --- The Tennessee Highway Patrol urges motorists to protect themselves against traffic crashes in winter weather by utilizing safe driving practices. A simple way to remember what to do is to practice The Three P's of Safe Winter Driving :

PREPAREfor the trip;

PROTECTyourself and

PREVENTcrashes on the road.

PREPARE:

Maintain Your Car

• Check battery and tire treads.
• Keep windows clear. Put no-freeze fluid in the washer reservoir.
• Check antifreeze.

Have on Hand:

• Flashlight, jumper cables, abrasive material (sand, kitty litter or rough floor mats), shovel, snow brush and ice scraper, warning devices (like flares), cell phone and blankets.
• For long trips, add food, water and medication.

Stopped or Stalled?

• Stay with your car.
• Put bright markers on antenna or windows and shine dome light.
• If you run your car, make sure the exhaust pipe is clear, and run the engine just enough to stay warm.

Plan Your Route:

• Allow plenty of time. Check the weather and leave early if necessary.
• Be familiar with maps/directions. Let others know your route and expected arrival time.

PROTECT:

Practice Safe Driving Techniques:

• Know what your brakes will do. Stomp on antilock brakes. Pump non-antilock brakes to prevent locking the wheels. Remember that stopping distances are longer on water-covered roads, or in ice and/or snow. Also, ice on roads may not always be visible, especially at night.
• During daylight, rehearse maneuvers slowly on the ice or snow in an empty lot.
• If the car starts to slide, steer into the skid.
• Buckle up and use child safety restraints properly. Children 12 and under are safer in the back seat.
• Never place a rear-facing infant seat in front of an air bag.
• Adults should sit 10 inches back from air bag.

PREVENT:

Good Driving Habits Save Lives:

• Slow down and increase distances between cars.
• Stay alert. Be aware of other drivers and/or pedestrians walking along the road.
• Avoid fatigue. Get plenty of rest before driving. On long trips, stop at least every three hours, and rotate drivers if possible.
• Drugs and alcohol never mix with driving.

The Tennessee Department of Safety maintains a toll-free hotline that motorists can use to check road conditions when there is inclement weather. It is 1.800.342.3258. Motorists who become stranded or experience emergencies on Tennessee 's interstates can also call *847 (*THP) to get assistance from a state Trooper.

The Tennessee Department of Safety's mission is (www.tennessee.gov/safety) to ensure the safety and general welfare of the public. The department encompasses the Tennessee Highway Patrol, Office of Homeland Security and Driver License Services. General areas of responsibility include law enforcement, safety education, motorist services and terrorism prevention.