GEICO offers drivers preparation and safety tips for wintry road conditions

Winterize your car. Prepare your vehicle for cold weather by checking your car battery, brakes, fluid levels, exhaust system, lights, windshield wipers and tires.

Beware of deer. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), animal collisions, especially deer, are nearly three times higher during November than any other month.

See and be seen. Clear the ice and snow from all car windows and lights. Drive with your headlights on when it's snowing or raining so you are visible to other drivers.

Allow extra time. If you think the road conditions might be bad, give yourself extra time for your trip. You won't have to rush and you can concentrate on driving safely.

Slow down and allow more distance between vehicles. When driving in bad weather, always reduce your speed well in advance of an anticipated stop. If you have an anti-lock brake system, experts recommend applying steady, firm pressure to the brake pedal. If you do not have an anti-lock brake system, apply firm pressure to the brake pedal to a point just before locking.

Control your car during a skid. If your car starts to slide, take your foot off the accelerator and turn your car in the direction of the skid until it straightens out.

Store a winter driving kit in your trunk with the following emergency equipment: flashlights with extra batteries, a first aid kit, matches, jumper cables, flares, a shovel and snow scraper, a bag of sand, a basic tool kit, a hat, gloves, rain gear and blanket or sleeping bag.

Fuel yourself. If you're planning a long trip in potentially bad weather, pack snack foods and water and always remember to keep your gas tank at least half full to prevent freezing your fuel lines. You never know when winter will make a long trip an even longer, very hungry and thirsty one.

To get yourself unstuck: Avoid spinning your tires and determine the most direct path between your car and solid ground, keeping the front tires as straight as possible. Clear the snow around all four tires and liberally spread sand or kitty litter to gain traction.

Always wear safety belts. This is true regardless of the season - and it's the law. Be sure that all passengers are buckled up as well.