Many people have to travel on streets and highways even when the weather is frightful.
The best way to avoid car trouble on the ice or in the snow is to be prepared, said Daniel Karnes, community relations specialist with AAA Oklahoma.
"With this travel time here, make sure you look ahead," Karnes said.
If traveling a long distance by car, check out the weather forecast at your destination and along the route, and get your vehicle checked before starting the trip.
Karnes said people should check their tires' tread and air pressure.
"You can lose traction easily if you don't have tread," he said. "In the winter the rubber essentially freezes and gets brittle. They usually think about antifreeze, but they don't think about the tread on their tires or the air in their tires."
Belts, hoses and antifreeze levels should also be checked, along with the battery, especially if it is two years or older, Karnes said.
Have an ice scraper and de-icer on hand as well, and put some de-icing fluid in with the windshield wiper fluid, he said.
Karnes also suggested keeping blankets, bottles of water and flashlights in the car in case the vehicle gets stuck or stranded.
"Take that cell phone charger with you. Maybe some extra batteries just to be on the safe side," he said. "You have some things to protect you if you do get stranded."