Spencer, IA (KICD)– The first taste of winter for 2024 is bearing down on the local area which means it is time to once again brush up on some of those winter driving skills.

Iowa State Patrol Trooper Kevin Krull says successful winter driving starts with being prepared by having a winter survival kit in the vehicle if venturing out in inclement weather and simply slow down and allow extra time.

Trooper Krull further urges drivers to follow no travel advisories so emergency personnel do not have potentially risk their lives to rescue to a motorist that perhaps should not have been out in the first place.

It is also suggested that motorists check road conditions ahead of time by going to 511ia.org while also letting at least one other person know the travel plans and route to make it easier to locate that person should some sort of incident occur.