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Many people will remember the winter of 2013-14 for all the wrong reasons. Record low temperatures and heavy snowfall were the story last winter. With winter now on the horizon once again, many motorists are looking for ways to ensure their daily commutes or holiday trips to visit family and friends are as safe as possible.

When wintry conditions, including snowfall, compromise driving conditions, it’s best for motorists to stay home. But avoiding roadways altogether is not always an option, so motorists who simply must venture out onto the roadways this winter can employ the following strategies to ensure they safely arrive at their destinations.

Consider winter tires. Many drivers are unsure if they need winter tires. All-season tires may suffice for those drivers who live in regions where heavy snowfall is uncommon. But winter tires are designed to perform when the temperatures are especially cold and in driving conditions featuring ice, slush and snow. Drivers who live in regions where snowfall is significant or even expected to be significant may want to install winter tires just to be on the safe side. Some drivers mistakenly believe that vehicle features such as anti-lock braking systems and traction control make their tires more capable of handling wintry roads. But such features do not provide more traction. ABS and traction control only prevent drivers from over-braking or overpowering the traction of their tires. Only better tires will improve traction.

Drive slowly. Many drivers mistakenly believe they only need to drive slow when snow is falling. But winter weather can make roadways unsafe even in areas that have not witnessed a single snowflake fall from the sky. Wet winter roads can quickly turn into icy winter roads, and no ABS system or traction control device can prevent a car that’s traveling too fast from skidding out. Poor visibility is another reason to drive slowly in winter. Peripheral vision is often compromised when driving in winter, as dirt, salt or sand buildup on windshields and side windows and mirrors can make it hard for motorists to fully view their surroundings. Even if your vision is not compromised, a fellow motorist’s might be. So ease up on the gas pedal in winter so you have more time to react to potentially adverse conditions.

Don’t drive too closely to other motorists. In addition to driving slowly, motorists also should leave extra room between their vehicles and the vehicles in front of them. In such conditions, for every 10 miles per hour drive a minimum of four car lengths behind the motorist in front of you. So if you are driving 50 miles per hour, be sure to leave 20 car lengths between you and the car ahead of you. This gives you ample time to react and builds in some extra response time should your visibility be compromised.

Maintain your vehicle. A vehicle should be maintained regardless of the season, but it’s especially important that your vehicle perform at its peak in winter. A vehicle’s battery and windshield wipers are a winter driver’s best friend, but only if they are operating at optimal capacity. Being stranded on a roadside in winter is more dangerous than in any other time of year. That’s because driver visibility is more compromised in winter, and it can be hard for motorists to see or avoid vehicles on the side of the road. Maintain proper fluid levels and make sure your battery is charged and the gas tank is full before making any winter trips.

Wintry conditions often make driving especially hazardous. But drivers who adopt certain habits when driving in winter can greatly reduce their risk of accidents.

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Soup is an ideal meal on cold winter days. One of the best things about soup is its versatility. Soup makes a great entree, and it also can serve as a warming appetizer or a delicious side dish. Soup also knows no bounds with regard to ingredients, making it a meal that can be enjoyed several times per week without boring the taste buds. Those who need to warm up this winter may want to try the following recipe for “Minnesota Wild Rice Soup” courtesy of The Culinary Institute of America’s “Book of Soups” (Lebhar-Friedman).

Minnesota Wild Rice Soup

Makes 8 servings

2 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 carrots, finely diced
2 leeks, white and light green parts, finely diced
2 celery stalks, finely diced
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 quarts Chicken Broth (see below)
3/4 cup wild rice
1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
3/4 cup heavy cream, hot
3 tablespoons dry sherry
1/4 cup minced chives
3 tablespoons chopped parsley

Heat the butter in a soup pot over medium heat. Add the carrots, leeks and celery. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
Reduce the heat to low, add the flour, and stir well. Cook gently, about 3 minutes, stirring constantly.
Add the broth gradually, whisking well with each addition to eliminate flour lumps. Bring to a simmer.
Add the wild rice and salt. Continue to simmer until the rice is tender but still somewhat chewy, about 45 minutes.
Stir in the heated cream and sherry. Season with salt. Serve in heated bowls, garnished with chives and parsley.

Chicken Broth

Makes about 2 quarts

4 pounds stewing hen or chicken parts or meaty bones, such as backs and necks
3 quarts cold water
1 large onion, diced
1 carrot, diced (about 1/3 cup)
1 celery stalk, diced (about 1/2 cup)
5 to 6 whole black peppercorns
3 to 4 parsley stems
1 bay leaf
1 sprig fresh thyme
11/2 teaspoons salt, or to taste

Place the chicken and water in a large pot (the water should cover the chicken by at least 2 inches; add more if necessary). Bring the water slowly to a boil over medium heat.
As the water comes to a boil, skim any foam that rises to the surface. Adjust the heat once a boil is reached so that a slow, lazy simmer is established. Cover partially, and simmer 2 hours, skimming as often as necessary.
Add the remaining ingredients. Continue to simmer, skimming the surface as necessary, until the broth is fully flavored, about 1 hour.
If using hen or chicken parts, remove them and cool slightly. Dice or shred the meat, and reserve to garnish the broth or save for another use. Discard the skin and bones.
Strain the broth through a fine sieve or cheesecloth-lined colander into a large metal container. Discard the solids.
If you are using the broth right away, skim off any fat on the surface. If you are not using the broth right away, cool it quickly by transferring it to a metal container (if it’s not in one already) and placing the container in a sink filled with ice-cold water. Stir the broth as it cools, and then transfer it to storage containers. Store in the refrigerator, up to 5 days, or in the freezer, up to 3 months. Label and date the containers clearly before putting them into the freezer.

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How to Stay Safe on Wintry Roads

Warm Up With Wild Rice Soup!