 Well, winter weather is upon us. There's no questioning that right now, and that means roads can be covered in snow and ice. Sarah Winckelman has details about how you can stay safe on the roads this winter. Driving safely in snow or other winter road conditions is all about being prepared. Try to reduce those distractions, have good tires, have your windshield clear, full tank of fuel, have your plan for where you're going. When it comes to planning, Croween County goes out on the roads anywhere from two to 48 hours before a snowstorm to begin their anti-icing efforts. It's a process of mixing salt and water together to improve traction on the roads. We went out Wednesday, we started anti-icing Wednesday, knowing this storm was coming late last night, which it did. The temperatures dropped a little more than what we were expecting them to, but the anti-icing did help us out in some areas. Throughout Croween County, there are 16 different plow roads that are out using different techniques to help keep the roads clear and safe for drivers. We go with straight salt, rock salt that we put down when the temperatures are again above 15 degrees. When they fall below 15 degrees in the road temps, then we go to a salt sand mix for traction at intersections and on curbs. In order to disperse the proper materials on the roadways, drivers should remain patient with the snow plows. Give our plows room, stay back. If you can't see both plow mirrors, the plow drivers can't see you typically. Don't ever pass a plow, especially not on the right-hand side. It comes down to the responsibility of the driver and the driver has to think forward of what they're gonna be encumbering, be it the snow, the plows, the ice. The time is gonna be a little delayed, it's gonna take us longer. So just plan ahead, be safe, drive sober, drive without distraction, wear your seat belt and you'll arrive alive. Keeping in mind to always pay attention to the road in front of you. If you do come upon a crash, make sure that you slow down and try to just pay attention to your drive. When the responders are out on the road, they're working really hard to try to keep that scene safe. Before you hit the road this winter, be sure to check out the Crow Wing County, Minnesota website or Facebook page to hear the latest road conditions. Reporting in Brainerd, Sarah Winkleman, Lakeland News. The link to the website can be found on our website at lptv.org backslash news. If you've enjoyed this segment of Lakeland News, please consider making a tax deductible contribution to Lakeland Public Television.