For Canadians the snow and the ice are just another part of the winter. They both can be hazardous for drivers, there are tips to remain calm if ever stranded, and ones for getting the car fully prepared for a trip in these types of road conditions.

Preparation is the key to safe driving in the wintertime. Tune-ups are a must do before the season hits so that the car is ready for the upcoming weather. Winter tune up checklists can be found online to ensure that the mechanic checks the car thoroughly and that there are no surprises for the road. Having a car kit for emergencies is also helpful.

Driving in bad weather conditions can lead to accidents and injuries. Snow and ice can make visibility uncertain. Both must be removed so that chunks of them do not interfere with the driving or other vehicles. Windshield washer fluid is also handy for keeping the windshield clear.

Planning a trip is the best way to know what the car is up against, both road and weather wise. Leave early so that there is plenty of time to get to the destination without rushing and carry a cell phone for emergencies.

Gas is another thing that can get you stranded and too far away to refuel. A tank that is always kept over half full will help keep condensation away and the gas line from freezing. Warm the car in an open area because a garage can fill with carbon monoxide and lead to serious injury or even death.

Once prepared to get out on the open and icy roads the driving must be done slowly. Fast movements can cause accidents. Headlights must also be on so that ice and other drivers can be seen.

The four-second rule is good for learning how to keep a safe distance between cars. The rear wheels of the car ahead must be seen when it is stop and go traffic. It is harder to stop in ice and snow.

Keep the eyes ahead towards the road so that the visibility stays high. Blowing snow can reduce the visibility too. Black ice is a condition where the ice is not seen on the roads until it is too late. Coasting is the best way to slide through these spots.

Snow on the ground can be a sight for sore eyes. Sometimes it is not a good one though. To avoid the look of the snow wear glasses. This will help with the brightness and can help with fatigue. The last tip is to treat snow ploughs and spreaders as you would an ambulance or fire truck. They are not to be passed on a road unless they can not be avoided.

Low visibility can cause accidents on the road. There are simple rules to follow to ensure that road crashes do not happen in these conditions. Four way flashers should be turned off and the defrosters should be turned on. High beans are to be avoided as well. Driving slowly and cautiously is the best way to travel when the sight is compromised. No cruise control and the use of secondary roads may also be used if the highway is too dangerous or crowded.

Some road conditions are too severe to even try to drive through. Freezing rain is one of them. There are no tires available to prevent slipping and sliding. There should also be no driving when blizzards and blackouts occur. Get off the road to somewhere safe and return when the conditions are better.

Driving through bad weather is one thing, but becoming stranded on the open road can become even more dangerous. The extreme cold can lead to fatal consequences so keep the skin covered and do stretches to keep the blood circulating.

The most important thing to do when stranded is to stay in the car and do not walk for help. Keep the car running, but only for short amount of time. This will keep snow from covering the tailpipe and the gas will not run out. The heater will still work and keep things warm, but the windows must be cracked when the engine is running so that carbon monoxide does not fill the car.

Being stranded hopefully will not last long, but there are a couple of things that can be done so that others can find the car. At night the emergency flashers can be used and in daytime tie a bright piece of clothing around the antenna so that the car can be spotted.