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Treacherous winter conditions can make travel along Texas roads a dangerous proposition. The Texas Department of Public Safety urges motorists to pay attention to changing weather conditions and prepare for the winter driving season.

Stranded motorists can call the DPS hotline at 1-800-525-5555 for assistance. Motorists with participating cellular companies can dial *DPS to reach the same number.

For current road conditions, it's best to watch your local news reports, or look up the Texas Department of Transportation's Web site at: http://www.dot.state.tx.us. The Texas Department of Transportation's road conditions hotline is 1-800-452-9292.

Winter driving tips include:

• Slow down! Speed is the main problem with driving on ice. Adjust your speed to fit the weather conditions. Keep a safe distance from the car in front of you.
• Wear your seat belt, and make sure your children are buckled up.
• Remember, you can't always see ice. It forms first on bridges, overpasses and shady areas. If you hit a patch of ice, stay off your brakes and decelerate slowly, holding the car steady as you go over the ice.
• If your car goes into a skid, take your foot off the gas pedal, but don't hit the brake. Steer gently in the direction you want the front of the car to go. As the car straightens out, you will be able to regain traction and control.
• Examine your tires to make sure the tread is not too worn. Do not attempt to drive in icy conditions if your tires are excessively worn.
• Check your car battery before cold weather sets in. Battery power dips in cold weather.
• Keep blankets, a first-aid kit, flares, jumper cables, tire chains, a flashlight, ice scraper and gloves in your car. Take a food supply of candy bars or dried fruit in case you become stranded.
• Keep the gasoline level as high as possible to prevent water condensation in the tank.
• Check the automobile's motor oil, transmission fluid, antifreeze, ignition system, lights, heater, cooling system and wipers.