Safe driving habits, car maintenance can spell difference between safety and danger this winter

Drivers heavily affected by winter weather should take steps to stay out of trouble in the colder months, according to the responsible living experts at WomansDay.com.

Among the many car maintenance tips WomansDay.com offered was to habitually check tire pressure. Tony Molla of the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence told the website "you should be checking your tires regularly; when the light comes on it's usually a worst-case scenario." Molla also advised against driving with anything less than completely inflated tires, as this can damage the wheel rim and result in a costly auto insurance claim.

Additionally, ensuring all of a vehicle's tires are evenly inflated keeps the car more easily maneuverable, which is crucial in emergency situations, Molla said.

Another expert, Rick Adam of High Point Auto Insurance, told WomansDay.com many drivers have difficulty quickly adjusting to wet road conditions, saying roads are most dangerous during the first 10 minutes of a rain shower.