Snow and ice are very common during wintertime in Canada and can make driving conditions dangerous for even the most seasoned of drivers. A new survey conducted by belairdirect found that 44 percent of Canadians admit to feeling nervous or anxious about winter driving, and most respondents indicated that they are not fully prepared for winter driving conditions.

While staying home during stormy winter weather is ideal, it’s not always realistic. When driving is unavoidable, keep the following tips in mind to make your journey as safe as possible:

Stay in control when it’s slippery—Never slam on the brakes when the roads are slick. Pumping the brakes will help you come to a stop safely. Don’t brake hard or accelerate when turning a corner.

Clear snow and ice off your vehicle—Clearing the snow off your car helps ensure that there’s visibility from the driver’s seat. Brush off windows, taillights, headlights, and the hood of your car. Snow on the roof of your car can become dislodged when you decelerate and can cover the windshield, which is a fineable offense in some provinces.

Keep a safe distance—Drive slowly during snowstorms, and be sure to leave distance between your car and other vehicles on the road. Even if you are comfortable driving in the snow, there are other less experienced drivers on the road who can be hazardous in snowy conditions.

Stay on main roads—Snow plows and salt trucks will most likely maintain main routes first before getting to the back roads and side streets. Keep this in mind when planning your trip.

See and be seen—Make sure you’re visible to all pedestrians and motorists by keeping your headlights clear of snow and turned on. Focus on the road, and don’t drive distracted. It can be difficult to see other vehicles in your blind spot, so drive slowly and focused.

Being prepared to drive in Canadian winter conditions can help keep you and other drivers safe on the road.