Freezing temperatures, gusts of wind, patches of ice – winter can be a horrible time to be on the road. And, an even worse time to get into a car accident.
But, with reduced visibility, slick roads and maybe even a reckless driver or two, accidents are bound to happen. So, what should you do if you experience one? Follow these five guidelines to help you stay safe while you wait for help to arrive after a car accident in winter:

1. Respond calmly. Your first instinct following any car accident may be to jump out of the car and give the other driver(s) a piece of your mind. But, given traffic and road conditions, it may not be safe for you to get out of your vehicle at all (and, it’s never safe to act aggressively toward others). So, stay in your car, take a deep breath, turn on your hazard lights and check yourself and others for injuries. Keep in mind that, if you’re in shock, you may not notice your own injuries at first. If needed, call 911 to request medical and traffic assistance.
   
   
2. Get off the road. If a minor accident leaves your car operable and no one involved requires emergency first aid, make clearing the roadway your next priority. Have all vehicles pull well off the road to reduce the chances of causing another accident. Just proceed with caution, especially if visibility is low. Other drivers on the road need extra time to react to slow-moving vehicles.
   
   
3. If you can’t get off the road, stay in your car. Walking around the roadway is extremely dangerous if other cars are around, particularly with stormy weather and slick roads making it difficult for drivers to respond to unexpected hazards. So, stay in your car and fasten your seatbelt, in case another collision occurs. Wait there for assistance and instructions from emergency personnel. Or, if your car isn’t safe to be in, seek other protection.
   
   
4. Stay visible, stay warm, stay put. Put up warning triangles and road flares, if you have them. Otherwise, tie a bright piece of cloth on your antenna or door handle so your vehicle is visible to others. If you’re running the engine to stay warm (make sure your tailpipe isn’t clogged with mud or snow or you risk being exposed to carbon monoxide), also turn on your running lights. Your vehicle emergency kit, stocked with blankets, extra clothing and more, will come in handy until emergency responders arrive. Because staying put is typically safer than heading out to seek help – you risk getting lost. And, leaving the scene of a serious accident can result in monetary fines.
   
   
5. Collect pertinent details and report the accident. After any accident, it’s important to exchange insurance information with the other driver(s), jot down notes about what happened and even snap a few photos – just be sure not to put yourself in harm’s way in order to do so. Then contact your insurance carrier to file a claim and your roadside assistance service to request help.

And, what if you come across an accident involving others? So long as they aren’t in immediate danger, your best bet is likely calling 911 and letting the appropriate local authorities respond. Pulling over to help could cause additional problems, such as distracting other drivers and causing an accident yourself.
Remember, winter driving can be as unpredictable as the weather. So, keep your phone charged and your gas tank full, and slow down so you have extra time to respond – you need it when the roads are slick!

The holidays are over, and Santa’s sleigh is back at the North Pole. That doesn’t mean the skies are empty, however.

Hundreds of thousands, if not a million, drones were likely given as holiday gifts in 2015, according to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) estimates. That’s a lot of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (the official term) flying around. And, with very real concerns about privacy, liability and legality, there’s the potential for a lot of problems, too.

Whether you or a loved one got a drone over the holidays, or your neighbor got one and you’re curious about regulations, here are five things to keep in mind for responsible flying:

1. Practice, practice, practice. Don’t start off with a complicated “mission” right out of the gate. Learn how to maneuver your drone in an open field or empty parking lot. And, never use it in crowded areas, such as near stadiums, no matter how skilled a flyer you become.
    
2. Obey the FAA. The agency, which regulates aircraft, says drones must be under 55 pounds and remain under 400 feet of altitude. Furthermore, operators must be U.S. citizens of at least 13 years of age. You shouldn’t fly within 5 miles of an airport unless you have permission from the airport and control tower. You’ll also need to register your drone, whether it’s brand new or you’ve been flying it for a while.
    
3. Keep it personal. You typically don’t need approval to operate your drone as long as you’re using it recreationally — and following the FAA’s general guidelines. But, if you’re flying your drone for a commercial purpose, such as creating a professional video or taking business photos, you needauthorization from the FAA.
    
4. Limit your risk. Damage caused by your drone could lead to liability costs and fines, so check your homeowners insurance policy or ask your independent insurance agent to see if you’re covered (not all policies cover hobby and model aircraft). And, if you use your drone commercially, remember that your homeowners policy won’t cover that at all.
    
5. Be smart. All it takes to operate a drone safely and responsibly is a little skill and a lot of common sense. So, follow regulations and guidelines, and don’t endanger people or invade their privacy. The same goes for wildlife. Finally, if someone else’s drone is impacting you, try talking to them (or the authorities) before taking drastic measures.

Flying your drone responsibly takes a little more effort, and thought, than simply turning it on and taking off. But, you can still have a lot of fun — and get some cool pictures, most likely — while keeping yourself and those around you safe.

So, have fun up there, but always keep in mind what – and who – is down here.