It seems as though winter is finally here.

Despite an ugly storm in mid-November, our winter has been extremely mild so far. However, that seems to be changing because as I am writing this column for you all on Tuesday afternoon, the snow is falling, and weather forecasts predict more snow over the weekend and early next week.

With winter weather finally settling in — and with it poor road conditions — let me use this as a PSA to remind everyone to drive safe on the roads. You’d think after living in the tundra known as Michigan winter for many years that we would all be used to driving through snow and on icy roads. However, we all seem to develop amnesia as soon spring hits.

I, myself, am not immune to this. I have spent the past two holiday seasons in a ditch after slipping on black ice. (Shout out to the Cass County Sheriff’s deputy that let me sit in his heated cruiser for almost an hour last year after my tow truck got sent to the wrong town!)

So, for everyone like me who needs a winter driving refresher every year, here are some recommendations from Michigan State Police about how to stay safe while driving this winter:

• Make sure your car is in good mechanical condition. Temperature extremes always bring out the worst in your vehicle, like dead batteries, soft tires, gasoline freeze, and carburetor and heating problems. Regularly checking in on your car’s health can help prevent issues while driving.

• Remember that roads can become icy anytime the air temperature drops to 40 degrees or less, especially when it is windy. Black ice can form on bridges and underpasses, any low or shaded area, area surrounded by landscape or area that has a source of water running over the pavement.

• Always approach intersections carefully.

• Allow yourself extra time to get to your destination.

• Prepare a winter driving kit to include in your car. This can consist of a blanket, warm clothes (i.e., hat, gloves, scarves, etc.), boots, a flashlight, road flares, sand or kitty litter, and first aid supplies. While this might seem silly or over the top, should you get into an accident or find yourself stranded, it could make a difference.

While all of those tips are common-sense measures, there are far too many preventable accidents every winter, and we could all use the reminder. So, please everyone, take it easy and drive safe this winter — then we can do this all again next year.