Here are five things you can do to be safe on winter roads this season:

Give snowplows room to work

It’s difficult for snowplow drivers to see your vehicle. Give snowplows room to work. Make sure the plow operator can see you in their side mirrors. If you cannot see the mirrors, the operator cannot see you. Also, avoid driving next to snowplows, turning in front of snowplows, or driving into snow clouds produced by the plows.

Slow down

Plows travel on average 30 to 50 mph slower than other vehicles, so reduce your speed when they’re around. And remember, speed limits are for ideal driving conditions. Slow down—don’t take chances on winter roads.

Plan for emergencies

Carry booster cables, road flares, a shovel, blankets, boots, mittens, a hat, a windshield scraper, two ropes and a winter survival kit in your vehicle during the winter driving season.

Keep your vehicle maintained

Make sure your antifreeze, battery, breaks, exhaust and lights are all working properly and always keep at least a half tank of gas in your vehicle.

Know the road

Before heading out on winter roads, call 511 or visit www.511mn.org to get current information on road conditions.