Although this winter the weather has been mild across most of the US, it’s still winter, and in snowy weather you should alter your driving habits to stay safe. The more prepared you are before you leave the house, the better prepared you’ll be in an emergency.

1. Emergency kit. All year round you should keep an emergency kit in your vehicle, but during the winter it’s especially important. In addition to the normal first aid kit, you’ll also want to include things light a heavy duty flashlight with extra batteries, an extra pair of wool socks for each potential occupant, a wool blanket or two, a winter hat, a folding snow shovel and kitty litter to help you get going again after getting stuck in the snow or ice, heavy duty jumper cables (preferably ones that don’t require a 2nd vehicle in order to get your battery back working), ice scraper, gloves, and charger for your cell phone. You’ll also want to keep a pair of heavy-duty boots in your vehicle in case you have to walk for help. If you have younger children keep an old umbrella stroller so you can push one child in it while you’re walking. Keep a copy of your auto club membership card in your vehicle. I like to keep a few extra dollars hidden in my car in case I accidentally leave my purse or wallet. That way I can still get a few gallons of gas, a few snacks, and make a phone call.

2. Watch the clock – and the weather channel. Before you leave the house pay attention to the weather conditions in your local area and on the travel path to your destination. It may be just fine in your neck of the woods, but it might be snowy or icy where you’re headed. In inclement weather you’ll want to leave the house 15 to 30 minutes earlier than you normally would. In snowy or icy weather you’ll need to pay more attention to the road conditions and you’ll need to slow down. If you’ve left for your destination with plenty of time to spare then you’ll be less likely to speed to avoid being late. Also, you may want to consider calling someone when you leave the house so they’ll have an idea of when to expect you. If you end up being very late, they’ll at least know you’ started traveling, and in the event of an emergency, they’ll know to start checking your route to see if you’re stuck somewhere.

3. Be prepared. Don’t leave the house without a fully charged cell phone. Know the route you’re taking whether that means printing a map, using your GPS, or writing down directions. Have the complete address of your destination handy, along with the phone number. Take a travel mug or water, coffee, or juice in case you get stuck. At least you’ll have something to drink. Keep a few snacks in the car. Hard candies, breakfast bars, whatever, you’ll just want a little bit of food to tide you over in case you have to wait for the auto club or a friend or family member to come get you.

4. Pay attention to your surroundings. I relied on my GPS to get me where I was going when my car shut off on me on the freeway. Luckily I was able to get to the side of the road, but when I called the auto club I had a hard time explaining my location. And since my GPS went out when my car shut off, I couldn’t use it to help me. Now I pay more attention to the exit numbers so if that happened again I’d be more prepared.

The bottom line is that winter driving is different. Although you might be an awesome driver, the person in the next vehicle may not be. Accidents happen. Vehicles break down. But you’ll be able to remain more calm if you’re prepared. That preparation starts before you even walk out the door. The better prepared you are before you leave the house, the better prepared you’ll be when something happens.

Disclosure: I wrote this blog post while participating in the SocialMoms and Esurance blogging program for 8,000 My SocialMoms Rewards Points. For more information on how you can participate, click here.

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