Tips for driving in wintry conditions, what to do if you get stuck

ENGLEWOOD — Driving during inclement winter weather can be stressful if you’re not prepared. Luckily, there are precautions you can take to make trips easier.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

News Center 7′s Malik Patterson goes through the precautionary measures recommended by Englewood police to keep you safe on the road LIVE on News Center 7 at 11.

TRENDING STORIES:

• Baseball hall-of-famer, all-time stolen base leader dies at 65
• Drugs, firearms, stolen property found, 1 arrested in drug trafficking investigation
• Man shot, killed while waiting in line at Ohio Subway restaurant

Jalani Allen, an Englewood resident, says he is careful with his supercharged V6.

“Make sure I get gas in the morning, when it’s colder. Gas typically expands throughout the day,” Allen said.

Allen says he thinks he’s a good driver, but when snow comes down and visibility is low, that may be another story.

Englewood police want drivers to be prepared for anything, because no one plans to get stuck out in the cold.

Suggestions from Englewood police:

1. Pack a bag in case you get stuck
2. Don’t use cruise control. They warn that your tires may spin too fast on slick roads, making the car harder to control.
3. Have at least a half-tank of gas, so if you get stuck, you can keep it running to stay warm.
4. Be patient. Wait to drive until road conditions are safe.
5. Leave early and slow down
6. If you have to pull over, get off the road as far as possible. Make sure to turn off your headlights and turn on your hazards.
7. Allow extra distance between your car and others, especially when passing.

Allen said he tries to avoid heavy traveling days.

“The drivers get a little crazy. Everybody’s out Christmas shopping trying to get things they need for their family,” Allen said.

For the month of Dec. in 2023, Montgomery Co., Greene Co., Clark Co. and Miami Co. each averaged 13 crashes a day. This year, they average eight crashes a day.

Englewood resident Stephanie Redd reminds her daughter every day to watch the road.

“I always tell her to be very, very careful. That’s the best thing I can do. That’s the best Christmas present I can give them,” Redd said.

Redd says there is only one condition she will not drive in.

“I’ll do the snow, but I don’t do ice,” Redd said. “No, no, I don’t do ice.”

[SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]