We had a small dose of snow this past weekend in Dallas County, which served as a good reminder for driving safely in winter weather.

Sheriff Chad Leonard says it’s important to always have a winter road kit in your car if you wind up in an accident or stranded this time of year. Leonard says every kit should have items that can keep you warm for an hour or more. He adds, parents with kids who drive should make sure their children know where their kit is and how to use it before sending them out. Additionally, Leonard says it’s important not to rush anywhere during the winter, particularly when it comes to making sure your vehicle is ready for travel. “Make sure you encourage the kids to scrape their windows before they leave home to go to school, (or) let them defrost, one or the other you know. Because I get a lot of that, driving down the road where you can just see like a three-inch in front of them, where they’re peaking out that hole. So encourage them to get started a little earlier and take care of those things before they leave the driveway.”

Other tips Leonard offers for motorists during the winter include: keep your cell phone stowed away so you’re not driving distracted, but also make sure it’s fully charged if you wind up stranded; drive slowly when roads are covered in snow and ice, regardless if you have a four-wheel drive vehicle; pump your breaks instead of slamming them on slick roads; and scan from ditch to ditch to keep an eye out for deer. He also emphasizes you should not hesitate to call local law enforcement for aid if you’re ever in an accident or stranded.