Assess your situation for the day. Do you really need to be driving today? Is it an emergency? Can you walk (wear traction devices on the bottom of your shoes for safety when walking on ice), can you mountain bike, or cross country ski instead? Can you take the bus or the train? No? Then stay home and enjoy the snow. If you must drive here are some tips to do so safely. According to our local police the number one reason for accidents on Seattle area highways is because drivers go too fast. You can't drive at the same speed on wet and icy roads as you would on dry roads. And do not abandon your vehicle on our roads. Washington State Department of Transportion says to please stay with your car until help arrives (because snow plows need to be able to plow the roads).

• If you must drive be sure you have chains in your vehicle. So if you get into trouble you can put chains on your tires.
• When driving keep a large cushion of distance between your vehicle and the vehicle ahead of you. Remember, it only takes one small patch of black ice to spin you or the person in front of you off the road. Black ice is commonly found in shady areas, highway underpasses, bridges, and in the middle of intersections.
• The pace of Seattle traffic can change suddenly and it usually means one of two things: an accident has happened or an accident almost happened. Keep your eyes open and drive defensively at all times during inclement weather.
• When braking in the snow be sure your tires are straight and that you tap your breaks lightly. Do not slam on the brakes.
• Look for alternate routes. If you need to drive somewhere that involves a hill see if there is an alternate route you can take so you don't have to negotiate an icy hill. If a hill is closed it is closed for a reason and oftentimes closed hills have kids sledding down them. So find another route. If you must drive up a hill don't try to slow down the vehicle as this will stop the momentum of speed needed to summit. If driving down a hill use a low gear to slow down instead of using your brakes.
• If you slide or skid don't make sudden movements. Instead simply take your foot off the gas and keep your foot off the brakes until you have safely gained control of your vehicle.
• If you get in an accident during an unexpected snow storm in the Puget Sound only call 911 if you have a life or death emergency. It's likely you aren't the only one suffering from a fender bender. So exchange insurance information and file a report later. You could help save someone's life who really needs 911 that day.