The arrival of winter and cool temperatures also brings the likelihood of inclement weather. The NTTA's safety experts offer tips for driving on treacherously slick roads. Of course, the best advice for driving in bad weather is not to drive at all, if you can avoid it.

"If at all avoidable, don't venture out until the sanding trucks have had a chance to do their work," said Marty Legé, the NTTA's director of system and incident management. "Allow yourself extra time to reach your destination."

The NTTA already is making preparations to protect drivers from snow and ice during the upcoming season, but when winter weather hits, stay safe by following these tips:

• Decrease your speed and leave yourself plenty of room to stop. You should allow at least three times more space than usual between you and the car in front of you.
• Brake gently to avoid skidding. If your wheels start to lock up, ease off the brake.
• Turn on your lights to increase your visibility to other motorists.
• Keep your lights and windshield clean.
• Use lower gears to keep traction, especially on hills.
• Never use cruise control or overdrive on icy roads.
• Be especially careful on bridges and overpasses. They will freeze first. Even at temperatures above freezing, if the conditions are wet, you might encounter ice in shady areas or on exposed roadways like bridges.
• Do not pass sanding trucks. The drivers have limited visibility, and you're likely to find the road in front of them worse than the road behind.
• Don't assume your vehicle can handle all conditions. Even four-wheel and front-wheel drive vehicles can encounter trouble on winter roads.

If the vehicle's rear wheels skid:

• Take your foot off the accelerator.
• Steer in the direction you want the front wheels to go. If your rear wheels are sliding left, steer left. If they are sliding right, steer right.
• If your rear wheels start sliding the other way as you recover, ease the steering toward that side. You might have to steer left and right a few times to get your vehicle completely under control.
• If you have standard brakes, pump them gently.
• If you have anti-lock brakes (ABS), do not pump the brakes. Apply steady pressure to the brakes. You will feel the brakes pulse-this is normal.

If the vehicle's front wheels skid:

• Take your foot off the gas and shift to neutral, but don't try to steer immediately.
• As the vehicle slides sideways, they will slow the vehicle, and traction will return. As traction returns, steer in the direction you want to go. Then put the transmission in "drive" or release the clutch and accelerate gently.

If the vehicle gets stuck:

• Do not spin your wheels. This will only dig you in deeper.
• Turn your wheels from side to side a few times to push snow out of the way.
• Use a light touch on the gas to ease your vehicle out.
• Pouring sand, kitty litter, or salt in the path of the wheels will improve traction.
• Try to rock the vehicle (check your owner's manual first -- it can damage the transmission on some vehicles). Shift from forward to reverse, and back again. Each time you're in gear, give a light touch on the gas until the vehicle gets going 

If the winter weather affects NTTA toll roads, log on to www.NTTA.org for updates about road conditions as needed.

Renewing its partnership with Mothers Against Drunk Driving, the NTTA joined MADD in a "Home for the Holidays" event in November to launch MADD's annual "Tie One on For Safety" campaign. 

"The NTTA is grateful that organizations like MADD are committed to stopping drunk driving, and the NTTA is proud to be a sponsor of the 'Tie One on for Safety' campaign," said NTTA Assistant Executive Director of Operations Clayton Howe. "We are asking everyone who plans to make alcohol part of their holiday celebration to plan ahead by designating a sober driver or calling a cab."

NTTA staff is volunteering to distribute MADD's red ribbons at area holiday events. Drivers are asked to tie the ribbons onto their vehicle antennas or side mirrors as a pledge to not drink and drive and remind others to do the same. Drivers are also encouraged to give the gift of a designated driver this holiday season. Offer to stay sober at family gatherings and holiday gatherings and to safely drive guests and family members home after the festivities have ended.

The NTTA is committed to doing its part to prevent impaired drivers from causing devastating wrong-way accidents by developing and implementing effective countermeasures. Some the steps taken include: 

• Installing raised reflective markers in the shape of an arrow to alert drivers to their error if they attempt to enter the tollway using an exit ramp.
• Adding red reflective tape to the backs of signs.
• Using roadway sensors to alert our Command Center if a driver does enter the roadway in the wrong direction.
• Piloting the use of lowered "Wrong Way" signs to catch the attention of impaired drivers who studies show tend to keep their eyes focused lower than sober drivers.

 However, the best prevention for drunk driving accidents can't be found in the toughest police task force or the most advanced detection system. The best prevention comes when people make the decision to designate a sober driver and hand over their keys when they've been drinking.

More than 1,000 people are killed in the United States between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day from accidents involving drunk driving. MADD created "Tie One On for Safety," originally named the Project Red Ribbon campaign, in 1986 to help heighten public awareness about drinking and driving during the holiday season.