Rough weather driving tips

As promised in my upcoming column, here you go with some tips from the NC DOT:

" Snow and Ice:

Snow and ice make roads very slippery, especially when the temperature is at or below freezing. Hard-packed snow increases the danger of skidding. As you drive, watch for shady spots, bridges and overpasses since these places are often the first to freeze as the temperature drops. If you must drive during a snowstorm, reduce speed, use windshield wipers and turn on the low beam headlights. It is recommended that you reduce speed by more than half for packed snow and slow to a crawl on ice. Use chains if necessary for better traction, but do not forget that even chains and snow tires can slide on ice and packed snow. You cannot start, stop or maneuver quickly in these conditions. Watch for other drivers.
When you are starting or stopping on snowy or icy roads:
increase your speed slowly;
get the "feel of the road" by testing your steering control and the braking friction;
start to move in second gear or higher and release the clutch slowly (for manual shifts);
allow at least three times the normal stopping distance as you begin to slow down;
(when you stop) keep your foot off the brake and let the engine slow the vehicle; and
maintain extra distance between yourself and the vehicle in front of you. "

http://www.ncdot.org/dmv/driver_services/drivershandbook/chapter4/
hazardousDriving.html#Hazards%20Snow%20and%20Ice