NEW MEXICO (KRQE) – As a winter storm rolls into New Mexico Wednesday night, snow and rain are expected to fall around the state. This type of weather can lead to dangerous driving conditions. The snow and rain brought by this low began Wednesday morning. A band of snow follows the circulation of the low. The band stretches from the Gila Wilderness up through the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Rain follows the outside edge of this snow. The storm will begin to ramp up Wednesday night. With winter storms approaching, the state this week, proper planning can help keep New Mexicans safe. Below are some safety tips to keep in mind ahead of winter weather. Weather Information Latest Weather Video Forecast Interactive Radar Weather Alerts Submit Photos, Videos The National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration, the National Safety Council, AAA, and the New Mexico Department of Transportation list the following tips to stay safe while driving in winter weather. Be prepared before you go: Make sure you have plenty of fuel and adequate windshield washer fluid and antifreeze. Check the inflation on your tires and remove snow from your vehicle, including headlights and taillights. Keep a flashlight, phone charger, sand or kitty litter, blanket, first aid supplies, water, and snacks in the vehicle. Plan ahead: Check the forecast and the latest road conditions by calling 511 or visiting http://nmroads.com. Give yourself plenty of time to get to your destination and expect delays. Wear your seatbelt: Make sure everyone in the vehicle is properly restrained. Take it slow: The best crash prevention on snow and ice is to SLOW DOWN. Avoid using cruise control: Never use cruise control when the roads are slick. It can reduce your control of the vehicle if your tires begin to skid or slip Steer in the direction of a skid. Accelerate and decelerate slowly. Increase your following distance. Know your brakes: It takes more time to stop in adverse conditions and stopping too quickly can cause drivers to lose control of the vehicle. Use caution on bridges, overpasses, and shaded areas: these areas typically freeze first and take longer to thaw. Don’t crowd the plow or other drivers: Allow plenty of space between you and the vehicle in front of you. It requires up ten times the distance to stop in snowy and icy weather. Keep at least a 50 foot or five car length distance between you and a snow. Don’t stop if you can avoid it. Don’t power up hills.