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Unforgiving weather and precarious road conditions can make winter driving stressful at best. But somehow the unexpected always seems to happen to someone else - until it happens to you. Here are some tips for preparing yourself and your vehicle for winter driving.

First, get your vehicle in shape for the season.

1. Do you have good snow tires? Check them for wear, and replace them if necessary.

Otherwise, inflate your tires and check them once a week through the season (unless you use nitrogen instead of air, which does not escape as quickly).

2. Check your oil, antifreeze and windshield wiper fluid levels frequently, especially before making a long trip.

3. Keep your gas tank full instead of only refilling when you run out. A full gas tank prevents condensation forming on the inside of the gas tank and causing your gas line to freeze.

Before doing any wintertime driving, clear out your trunk of unnecessary items so that you can make room for and easily find the following:

- Jumper cables, spare tire and car jack. Learn how to use them.

- Snow shovel in case your vehicle gets stuck, and something your tires can get traction on (salt, sand, or kitty litter). Never rev the engine if the wheels are just spinning around, as that will just turn the snow to ice and make it harder to get out. Pour plenty of sand behind the wheels and then slowly press down on the gas.

- Warm blanket and extra winter clothing so that you can stay warm without having to run the engine, if trapped in your vehicle or lost. You're more likely to survive if you stay in the vehicle don't wander out looking for help.

- Drinkable water.

- Duct tape is one of those incredible items with a thousand uses: patch a leaking water hose, create "rope" by twisting long strands of it together, tape your bumper or fender back on, and whatever else you can think of!

- Road flares. Though you may never need them, you'll be glad of them if you do.

- Extra containers of washer fluid and gasoline.

Now that your trunk is stocked, think about the items you might want more easily accessible, perhaps in your glove compartment or under a seat. A first aid kit is vital, as are an ice scraper, candles, waterproof matches or lighter, a flashlight, and a knife or box cutter. Most people nowadays carry a cell phone, but it's a good idea to have a charger in the vehicle and make a habit of charging the phone as you drive.

Next, when planning a trip, you'll want to get as much information as possible

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