Drivers aged 70 and older are more likely than younger drivers to be involved in a variety of motor vehicle accidents, including fatal crashes, according to a 2009 study of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Although older drivers are less likely to be involved in accidents related to alcohol use, speeding or nighttime driving, they are overrepresented in crashes that involve making left-hand turns, drifting lanes, and reacting quickly to avoid imminent danger. Interestingly, the study showed that older drivers are not at increased risk when driving in adverse weather conditions such as rain, snow or sleet, possibly because they tend to self-regulate and stay off the road when conditions are poor.

If you must get out in the snow and ice this winter, follow these valuable tips to help you remain safe:

• Clear snow and ice from all windows and lights—even the hood—before driving.
• Know current road conditions. Posted speed limits are for DRY pavement.
• Stopping in adverse conditions takes more time, so l increase the following distance from three to four seconds to eight to ten seconds.
• Stay back at least 200 feet from maintenance vehicles and plows, and don’t pass on the right.
• Whether you have antilock brakes or not, the best way to stop is to keep your heel on the floorboard and use the ball of your foot to apply firm, steady pressure on the brake.
• Remember that bridges and overpasses will ice up before the adjacent pavement.
• Don’t use your cruise control in wintry conditions. The short touch of brakes to deactivate the cruise control can cause you to lose control of your vehicle.
• Don’t get overconfident in a 4x4 vehicle. Four-wheel drive may help you get going quicker, but it won’t help you stop faster.
• Remember that trucks are heavier than cars and take longer to stop, so avoid cutting quickly in front of them.
• Keep your gas tank always over half full. If you do get stranded the engine will be your only source of heat. (Keep the window open a crack if you sit for long with the engine running.) Also, warm daytime temperatures can fill the tank with moisture that will condense in the cold night and may cause rust.
• Make sure your windshield wipers are in good shape.
• Checkwindshield washer fluid levels. On messy days, you can easily go through two or three liters of fluid. You may want to keep extra fluid (and a shovel) in the trunk.
• Check your tire condition, tire pressure and spare tire pressure regularly. Tires lose on average one pound of pressure per month through normal leakage.
• Avoid distractions such as using cell phones or texting while driving.