The winter months can be challenging in a number of ways, but chief among them is the toll winter weather takes on the roads. Winter conditions can make driving particularly dangerous, and it's important to be cautious and careful. That's why we've put together a number of tips for driving during the winter months that can help you avoid accidents and other incidents while you get where you need to go.

Be more cautious than usual. Because winter conditions can make the roads difficult to drive on and can reduce visibility, it's more important than ever to be aware of your surroundings and drive carefully. Keeping this basic tip in mind can help you stay alert and aware.

Don't drive when you're tired or upset. Roads are more dangerous, so it stands to reason that you should take the same precautions you do when roads are safer. Don't drive when fatigued or upset, because it can reduce your reaction time and keep you distracted.

Always wear your seat belt. Seat belts greatly reduce your risk of injury in the event of a crash. If you're driving on icy roads, it's possible you won't be able to help swerving or otherwise losing control. A seat belt can keep you safely in place so you can focus on correcting your vehicle.

Make sure your tires are properly inflated. Underinflated tires can lose traction, particularly on icy or wet roads. Check the inflation level of your tires and if they need air, be sure to fill them up to the proper capacity.

Keep at least half a tank of gas in your vehicle. This not only prevents you from running out of gas in inclement weather, but also helps you to avoid gas line freeze-up.

Be sure you have emergency supplies. These include blankets and warm clothes, as well as a spare tire and jack, flares and more.

Check the weather before you begin your trip. If the weather is particularly bad, you may want to stay home until it passes. If you check the weather, you can at least try to avoid places where it looks to be worst.