Winter travel tips offered

As winter continues throughout Central Illinois, officials with AAA Chicago Motor Club are offering some advice when it comes to safe driving.

They say to completely clear windows, mirrors and headlights. Open frozen door locks by heating the end of a key or use some de-icer. Motorists should allow plenty of room for snowplows or salt trucks and drive slowly to increase following distance. Use steady brake pressure when approaching a stop sign.

Never start a car in a closed garage, according to the experts, and when skidding ease off the accelerator and steer in the direction you want to travel. Pedestrians should dress so they can be easily seen and make sure approaching vehicles come to a complete stop before crossing a street or driveway.