Central N.Y. — Oneida County Sheriff Robert Maciol has shared the following winter driving tips to help the public brush up on their skills and safety procedures before major weather hits.

• Fill up on antifreeze and window-washer fluid

• Check for proper tire inflation

• Ensure your battery has sufficient charge

• A blanket or warm clothes (boots, coat, gloves)

• Bag of sand or cat litter for traction

• Map to use in case of a road detour

• Non-perishable snacks that will store well

• Brake gently to prevent skidding

• Reduce speed in snow, sleet, and rain

• Use extreme caution when driving down unplowed roads

• Pull off the road if you’re tired or if outside conditions worsen

• Never spin your wheels. That only digs the tires in more deeply

• Use a shovel to dig around the wheels and undercarriage

• Turn the steering wheel from side to side to clear snow away from the front tires

• Gently ease the vehicle out

If that doesn’t work, try rocking the vehicle by shifting into forward drive, giving it some gas, and then shifting it into reverse and accelerating until the vehicle is free.

• New York State Law requires that all passengers are buckled regardless of age or seating position

• Make sure your vehicle has fresh air by checking the exhaust system to see if it’s plugged by snow

• Stay calm and stay put. Your chances of being rescued are greater if you remain in one place. Staying in your car will decrease your risk of frostbite or hypothermia.

• Run your engine for heat about once an hour (every half hour in extreme cold)

• Tie a piece of brightly colored cloth to your antenna to alert others and aid rescuers

• Crack your window if you are able to do so, safely. Carbon monoxide produced by your vehicle is a colorless, odorless gas that can kill.

•Please note to be especially careful on bridges, overpasses, and infrequently traveled roads, which will freeze first. Even at temperatures above freezing, if conditions are wet, you might encounter ice in shady areas or on exposed roadways like bridges.

• Snow remaining on your vehicle can disrupt your vision and be dangerous to other motorists on the road