PORTLAND (WGME) -- MaineDOT is encouraging everyone to stay off the roads until the worst of the storm passes.  If you do have to go out, however, AAA has a few driving tips to keep you safe:

Portland, ME – With the blizzard conditions expected to drop a foot or more of snow on the region, AAA recommends motorists avoiding venturing out in the treacherous driving conditions.  "Driving during or after a winter storm is dangerous no matter how well you and your vehicle are prepared," said Pat Moody, manager of public affairs AAA Northern New England.

Since more crashes involving property damage occur during the winter months than any other time of the year, AAA Northern New England encourages all motorists to be prepared for adverse conditions as the weather turns cold.

AAA Northern New England recommends motorists follow the guidelines below: 

• Clear your windows, roof, trunk, and hood before driving.  Windshield wipers aren't designed to clear heavy, wet snow and ice off your windshield and they don't clear the entire surface.  Be sure to clear the snow off the rest of your car, too, so it doesn't fly off and blind other drivers.

• Take it slow. Reducing speed and following at a safe distance is your best strategy for
maintaining control of your car and ensuring that you have plenty of room to
stop or react to whatever happens in front of you.

• Focus only on driving. Distraction is always dangerous, but when you’re trying to navigate
icy streets and unpredictable situations, it can be especially risky. Keep both
hands on the wheel, turn the radio off, stay off the phone (even if it’s
hands-free), and pay attention to your driving.

• Plan ahead. Avoid travel during bad conditions and when plows and spreaders are out treating
roads. If you must drive, stick to daylight hours when visibility is better and
more resources are available in case you get stuck. Always check on weather and
road conditions before you get on the road. Charge your cell phone in advance,
in case you have to call for help.

• Get your car serviced for winter conditions. Make sure tires have enough tread and are
properly inflated so they’ll grip on slick roads. Check anti-freeze levels to
make sure you have the right levels for your region. Keep your gas tank at
least ½ full.

• Keep a winter emergency kit in your car. Make sure you have flares, safety triangles, colored
cloths to tie on your antenna, and flashlights so you can stay visible if you
break down. Pack blankets and extra warm clothes, food, and water in case you
get stranded.

If you do find yourself stranded out on the road, please heed the following advice to ensure
you’re safe until help arrives.

• Stay in your car and out of the way of other cars that may be sliding on slick roads.

• Stay warm and dry to avoid hypothermia. Keep blankets and extra warm clothes with you. Huddle with
other passengers to maintain body heat.

• Call for help on your cell phone, if you get stuck. Never talk on the phone while you’re driving
in bad weather.

• Run your engine and heater for a few minutes every hour, if you have enough gas. (Check to make
sure the exhaust pipe isn’t blocked with snow.)

• Keep a window cracked for fresh air, in case doors and windows freeze.

• Set flares outside your car and tie bright-colored rags to your antenna so rescuers can spot you.