With the weekend’s winter blast behind us and another one predicted for this week, it’s a good time to refresh ourselves on a few tips for safe winter driving.

The Washington State Department of Transportation’s Web site at www.wsdot.wa.gov/winter offers a complete list of winter diving safety tips. Following these tips will help you arrive safely at your destination.

Planning ahead, driving at a safe and legal speed, driving alert and sober and ensuring everyone in the vehicle is buckled up will help ensure you and your family arrive safely.

The WSDOT also suggests the following:

Clear snow and ice from all windows and lights — even the hood and roof — before driving.

Pay attention. Don’t try to out-drive the conditions. Remember that posted speed limits are for dry pavement.

Leave plenty of room for stopping.

Leave room for maintenance vehicles and plows — stay back at least 200 feet and don’t pass on the right.

Know the current road conditions. Call 1-800-695-ROAD or 5-1-1 for information or go to www.wsdot.wa.gov/winter.

Use brakes carefully. Brake early and don’t stomp on the brakes. It takes more time to stop in adverse conditions.

Don’t get over confident in your 4X4 vehicle. Remember that your four-wheel drive vehicle may help you get going quicker than other vehicles but it won’t help you stop any faster. Many 4X4 vehicles are heavier than passenger vehicles and actually may take longer to stop. Don’t get overconfident in your 4X4 vehicle’s traction. Your 4X4 can lost traction as quickly as a two-wheel drive vehicle.

Don’t pump anti-lock brakes. If your car is equipped with anti-lock brakes, do not pump brakes in attempting to stop.

Stock you car with basic winter driving equipment: a scraper and brush, small shovel, jumper cables, tow chain and a bag of sand or cat litter for tire traction. Include road flares, a blanket, heavy boots, warm clothing and a flashlight with batteries.

These are just a few of the winter driving safety tips which can make the roads safer for all of us.

Whether you’re unfamiliar with driving in adverse conditions, or consider yourself an old pro, following these winter driving safety tips can help ensure that you and your family arrive safely at you destination.

For more information visit the WSDOT’s Web site at www.wsdot.wa.gov/winter.