While there hasn’t been any substantial snowfall yet this year, winter weather is likely just around the corner.

With that in mind, Dallas County Sheriff Chad Leonard has some driving preparedness tips for the coming months. While he encourages drivers to drive cautiously in snow and ice, Leonard realizes mishaps will happen. To that end, he recommends you should keep things like a safety kit in your car at all times. “Go out there prepared. You know, put a couple blankets in your car. Get in the habit of keeping your gas tank filled. If it gets down to half-a-tank, you know stop and put more gas in it.”

Additionally, if you’re out driving in bad winter weather, he advises you not to utilize one particular convenience. “If it is snowing, if it’s wet out and stuff, don’t use your cruise control. People use that cruise control and then it takes off on its own, and that causes issues, you know. Any time the surface is slick, shut the cruise control off and slow down a little bit. Use your gas pedal and just be cautious.”

Finally, while it’s never a good idea to be on your phone while driving, particularly in inclement weather, it’s always a good idea to have a phone with a full charge in case you do find yourself in an accident this winter.