The dreaded time has come again; the time of year to get up 15 minutes early to go outside and clean the car off, and the time of year to slow yourself down a bit on the roads. It is also the time of year to make sure your car is prepared for the worst in case of an emergency. It is important to consider some of these key tips for keeping safe.

First, you should make sure that your vehicle’s maintenance is up to date. This is the opportune time to have your vehicle inspected so you can avoid unnecessary problems in such a harsh season.

Buckling up is important at any time of the year, but with the streets so slippery it is crucial to take the extra minute to strap in and make sure you are safe and secure.

Various plaques hang on the walls of Central Maine Medical Center in honor of a loved one lost. In 1995, Anita Keummerle, the head of surgical services at CMMC, was killed in an automobile accident. As she was about to come to a stop before she was to pull onto busy Route 4, her tires slid on the snowy ground and she was unable to come to a stop. She was instantly killed when her car was hit by a tractor trailer truck. A winter driving tip that cannot be stressed enough is to leave plenty of room to stop whenever necessary.

“It’s scary when you’re inexperienced. As long as you take it slow than you should be all set.” says Kara Boucher, a senior. Certain roads like Route 4 are definitely ones that you should decrease speed on. Roads like Upper St. and Lower St. are infamous for dangerous snow drifts. “Lower Street really sucks” says Katie Bowen, a junior driver.

Whatever is littering the roads, whether it be fresh snow, black ice, or muddy slush, it is in your best interest to slow down, stay alert, and enjoy the scenery.