It's that time of year again, when rain and snow can cause slippery driving conditions across the country. Predictions for a volatile El Nino weather scenario in 2016 add to potential driving risks and make it all the more imperative to review some tips for driving safely in severe weather.

Plan and prepare

There are a number of things you can do to help insure a safe trip before venturing out under less-than-ideal conditions.

  • Check weather and road conditions: AccuWeather, Weather Channel, National Weather Service and your local or state police are all good sources for this information.
  • Allow extra time for your trip: Be sure to take along your cellphone and charger — and your AAA or Good Sam roadside assistance membership card.
  • Give your vehicle a quick inspection: Make sure windshield wipers, headlights, brake lights and turn signals are working and that tires are properly inflated and have plenty of tread.

If conditions are particularly severe, here's some equipment that could be useful should you become stranded:

  • roadside triangle markers and flares
  • a shovel and a bag of salt, sand or kitty litter to help with traction if you get stuck
  • a chain or tow rope
  • tool kit (with flashlight)
  • jumper cables
  • ice scraper/snow brush
  • first-aid kit
  • extra clothes
  • snacks and water

Headlights on!

All states require that you turn on your headlights when visibility is low, and it's the law in many states that headlights must be on when windshield wipers are in use. See and be seen — it's just common sense.

Slow down

Speed limits are designated for ideal conditions, i.e., good visibility and light traffic, so when it rains, snows or blows, let up on that gas pedal and take your time. Remember this: the slower your speed, the greater amount of your tire's tread makes contact with the road, giving you better traction.

Drive at a slow, steady pace and avoid sudden actions when accelerating, braking or turning. It can take up to three times longer to stop on a wet road than a dry one — so allow ample stopping distance between you and cars in front of you.

Avoid hydroplaning and flooded areas

Hydroplaning, or aquaplaning, occurs when water builds up between your tires and road, and the result is a decrease in braking and steering effectiveness. It doesn't take much water — or speed — to cause you to lose control of your vehicle.

Slowing down, of course, is how to avoid hydroplaning, but if you feel your vehicle begin to skid, do not panic and slam on the brakes. Let off the accelerator and continue to look and steer in the direction you want the vehicle to go.

Experts suggest turning off cruise control when driving on rainy or snow-slick roads. Both hydroplaning and skidding on an icy surface can confuse cruise control systems and could cause your vehicle to accelerate at just the wrong time.

Drivers must constantly be reminded not to drive into flooded areas. Highways, city streets and intersections can become flooded within minutes of a heavy downpour. It only takes a few inches of water to turn youy vehicle into a boat — and potentially rendering it inoperable.

If you can't see how deep the water is, don't try to drive through it.