LINCOLN, Neb. (KOLN) – With unpredictable winter weather approaching in Nebraska, Lincoln police are urging drivers to prepare their vehicles and adjust their driving habits to stay safe.

From winterizing cars to buckle-up kids, LPD has key reminders to help drivers safely navigate icy roads.

1. PREPARATION OF THE VEHICLE | Make sure your car is prepared to face the Nebraska winter by remembering to:
• Check tread and replace tires as needed
• Check fluids, including antifreeze
• Check wipers and replace as necessary
• Check your car battery (many auto parts stores offer free testing)
• Check the headlights and brake lights

2. EMERGENCY KIT | Prepare your car with travel supplies:

• Include an ice scraper, shovel, emergency kit, snow melt, or cat litter for traction;
hat, gloves, coats, blankets and snacks in the car.

• Use an ice scraper to clean your windshield and mirrors. It will help with your field of vision, which will keep you and others on the road safe. This also prevents other cars from being hit with chunks of ice and hardened snow.

• Be sure to also check your gas tank often and keep it topped up in case you get stuck. First responder response times may take a little longer due to winter road conditions, so being prepared with the proper equipment will help keep everyone involved safe.

3. DRIVE CAREFULLY | When bad weather hits, road conditions can change
very suddenly:

• Make sure you keep enough distance between you. and other drivers, as a stop
time can be significantly reduced when the roads are icy.

• Even if you are advised to stay home due to the conditions, first responders and road crews will be working hard outside. Please give police, ambulances, plow trucks and others plenty of road space to operate. Slowing down and pulling over will help keep everyone on the road safe this winter.

4. KEEP CHILDREN SAFE | We all want our children to be warm on a cold winter day. Remember, children should NOT wear bulky clothing such as winter coats or snowsuits under a car seat harness.

LPD asks drivers to follow these tips from the American Academy of Pediatrics on how to properly buckle up:

• Keep the infant seat indoors when not in use – reduces body heat loss in the car

• Dress your child in thin layers – it helps insulate the body

• Don’t forget hats, gloves and socks or slippers – they add warmth without getting in the way
with belts

• Fasten the car seat harness straps – if you can catch the straps, it’s not
tight enough

• Use a coat or blanket OVER the straps – add warm layers on top after your child is buckled in

5. LOCK THE VEHICLE | As a reminder, please keep your vehicle locked even if you need to start it to warm up on cold winter days. We keep seeing cars left unlocked with the keys inside. It only takes moments for thieves to take off with your vehicle, and the lasting impact of not having a car is difficult for families. Whenever possible, keep the vehicle locked, take the keys with you. and close the garage door.

You can find more information on car safety tips for children Here.

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