Dear Just Be: I come from a warm climate state and don’t know how to drive in snow and on ice. Do you have some advice for how to drive safely?

Even for those of us who have grown up with the snow and ice, we all need to be reminded how to drive in these inclement conditions.

When driving after or during a snowfall keep these points in mind:

• Keep your speed low, at least 5 miles below the posted speed limit, and keep headlights on low.

• Don’t use cruise control in icy, snowy or even wet conditions.

• Drive in the lane that was most recently cleared.

• Avoid changing lanes to decrease your risk of losing control when driving over built-up snow between lanes.

• On an icy road, focus your attention as far ahead as possible (at least 20 to 30 seconds). One of the greatest mistakes people make is thinking that because they drive an SUV or truck they can break faster and are not susceptible to the ice. This logic is completely false. An SUV or truck weights much more than a car and so it will take longer for a vehicle of that size to stop.

One of the scarier situations you can find yourself in while driving in snow and ice is when your car begins to skid. Below are step by step processes for handling a rear-wheel or front-wheel skid.

If you find your car in a rear-wheel skid continue to look down the road and steer in the direction you want the vehicle to go. Take your foot off the brake and ease off the gas if the rear wheels lose traction due to powerful acceleration (rear-wheel drive). Continue to steer to avoid a rear-wheel skid in the opposite direction. As the car/SUV straightens out, shift to the gear appropriate to your driving speed (if applicable) and/or accelerate gently.

In a front-wheel skid, again continue to look towards where you want to go. Take your foot off the brake and ease your foot off the accelerator. If the front wheels have turned previous to the loss of traction, don't move the steering wheel. As soon as traction returns, you will be able to steer the vehicle again. Steer gently in the direction you desire and accelerate slowly to a safe speed.

For more safety tips and tricks for driving in inclement weather look into AAA Colorado. Their monthly magazine and website (www.aaa.com) are full of helpful tips on driving, car maintenance, and even travel ideas.