With winter in full swing, experts said there are ways to get around town safely in inclement weather.

When driving on icy or slushy roads, Larry Travis of AAA said it can take up to three times the normal distance to stop when the road is slippery.

Travis said drivers should brake early to make up for that distance. If a driver starts to lose control or slide while braking, he said to shift the car into neutral to help slow the vehicle down.

If a driver finds his or vehicle is skidding, Travis said to steer into the skid. Otherwise, the vehicle may end up fishtailing.

He also said to brake gently because slamming on the brakes may not help the vehicle stop any faster.

If a driver gets stuck, Travis said there are some things to remember.

"Run the engine to keep warm, but leave a window partially down. Freezing rain, snow and ice could seal the car up, preventing fresh air from getting in," he said.

Travis said a person should not leave the stuck vehicle if he or she is not sure of a safe place to go.

State troopers also said there are some simple measures drivers can take to protect themselves and their passengers.

First, Lt. Roger Norris of the Ohio State Highway Patrol said to buy road flares. They said if a vehicle breaks down or is involved in a crash, blocking off the road with flares and setting them up around a vehicle can help prevent other crashes. Other drivers will see the flares ahead of time and be able to steer clear.

Next, Norris said to bring a blanket, extra coat, gloves and other warmth providers along on drives because a driver never knows when he or she will need extra heat.

Last, Norris urged drivers are urged to put an emergency contact number -- or an ICE number -- in their cell phone. ICE stands for "in case of emergency," Norris said.

"We'll open it up and start looking at the numbers in there," Norris said. "That's the number that we would start to call."

Norris said it is often very difficult for troopers to identify people and reach their family. An emergency contact number would prevent that from happening.

Currently, legislators are also reviewing a proposal to allow drivers to put an emergency contact number on their license plate. That piece of legislation is not yet in place.

Stay with NEWS9 and WTOV9.com for continuing coverage.

-Renee Cardelli, Jasmine Lo & Ashley Koe, NEWS9