Duluth Police Department Offers Winter Driving Tips Ahead Of Snow

Winter is here and that means our roads are about to get a lot more dangerous in the Northland.

With snow likely in the very near future, the Duluth Police Department is offering up some tips to residents on their Facebook page to ensure that we all stay safe this winter season.

Here's what they suggest as we brace for another winter in the Northland:

• Give yourself extra time to get to work or wherever else you're headed.
• Always make sure your lights are on so others on the road can see you.
• Accelerate slowly so you can gain traction and avoid skidding.
• Slow down early when approaching an intersection, whether it be a stop sign or stop light.
• Use an eight to ten second rule when following behind a car as it takes longer to stop when on icy roads.
• Become familiar with your brake system and use the ball of your foot to apply pressure to the brake if needed.
• Avoid stopping if you don't have to.
• Do not try to jet up hills or steep roads and reduce your speed when going downhill.
• Stay home if you don't absolutely have to go out.

It is bound to be a long winter and it's best to be on the side of caution when hitting the roads when they are slippery or wet. Plus, by the looks of it, we can't rule out an extra long and snowy winter. Stay safe out there!