CHICAGO (WGN) — Snowfall brings a whole bundle of headaches for drivers, but there are some steps that can be taken to avoid lingering issues or a potentially dangerous situation. Each year, in the United States, 24% of weather-related vehicle crashes occur on snowy, slushy or icy pavement and 15% occur when snow or sleet is falling, according to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). Vehicle crashes on snowy, slushy, or icy pavement account for more than 1,300 deaths and more than 116,800 injuries annually, the FHWA said. Additionally, nearly 900 people are killed and nearly 76,000 people are injured in crashes that occur when snow or sleet is falling. Here are some tips for drivers to avoid the hazards presented by slick roads and frigid temperatures: Navigate roads slowly and carefully Start by navigating slick or icy roads at a slow and steady pace. Accelerating and braking slowly can help vehicles maintain traction on slippery roads and can offer drivers more time to react in critical situations. Allowing for extra room between vehicles by increasing following distance will increase drivers' margins of safety, especially if braking abruptly. Drivers should also adjust their speed to account for lower traction on roads where snow or ice is present. Brush snow off cars Before hitting the roads, drivers should brush off and remove all of the snow and ice that is collected while they are away, as it could cause visibility issues or hazards for other drivers. Drivers should scrape snow and ice from all surfaces of the car, including the roof and hood, and should work from the top down, pulling the snow towards them, as it requires less effort and drivers won't have to scrape the same areas twice. Hot water should never be used to melt ice on a car or the windshield, as it could cause damage. Instead, drivers should use front and rear defrosters. In Illinois, it is illegal for drivers to navigate the roads if there is snow, ice, moisture, or other materials blocking their windows, mirrors, or anything that obstructs their view. Drivers with snow obstructing their view could be pulled over and issued a fine. Use the right lights Using the right lights can be crucial when driving in snowy or rainy conditions. According to AAA, drivers should use their low beams when driving in heavy snow at night as high beams could reflect back light and cause a glare that could impair a driver's visibility. AAA suggests drivers who need extra light during bad weather use their fog lights. Think ahead When navigating slick roads, drivers should plan their movements in advance and perform one action at a time, AAA said. If possible, drivers navigating slick roads should avoid stopping so they don't get stuck. Instead, they can try and slow their speed and keep moving. AAA said there is a big difference between the amount of inertia needed to start moving from a full stop compared to how much it takes to get moving while still rolling. When traveling up hills, drivers should maintain a steady speed and avoid braking. Drivers should also notify family or friends about where they are headed if planning on driving long distances. AAA said it is best to let someone close know when the trip will begin, how long it could take and when it will end. Avoid cruise control AAA said drivers should never use cruise control on slick roads as it could lead to a crash. Slick roads can cause issues with the system that regulates a vehicle's speed when using cruise control. Using cruise control on snowy or icy roads could result in a skid or spin, while using it on wet roads could cause the vehicle to hydroplane if it hits standing water. Avoid icy fuel lines While the gasoline in your gas tank likely won't freeze up, the frigid temperatures could cause some issues for fuel lines. Gasoline's freezing point is incredibly low, around -40 degrees Fahrenheit, but drivers could still face problems if moisture from condensation collects in the vehicle's fuel lines and freezes, AAA said. If ice freezes in the lines, it could impact fuel intake, making starting the car difficult and resulting in sputtery engine performance.  Avoid poor fuel economy Drivers may find themselves making more trips to the gas pump in the winter too, according to the U.S. Department of Energy, cold weather and winter driving conditions can significantly reduce fuel economy. There are several reasons why the cold weather could reduce fuel economy. Frigid temperatures could make it hard for vehicles to reach their most fuel-efficient temperature. Idling cars in the winter to warm them up gets 0 mph and lowers fuel economy too and driving slower due to hazardous conditions and four-wheel drive could also be causes. To improve fuel economy in the winter, the U.S. Department of Energy advises drivers to park in a warmer place, like a garage, to increase the initial temperature of a vehicle's engine and cabin. Drives should also minimize idling cars to warm them up, most manufacturers recommend driving off after about 30 seconds, as the vehicle's engine will warm up faster being driven. Drivers should also check their tire pressure regularly and avoid overuse of seat warmers and defrosters. Exhaust Dangers Another danger drivers face during the winter is deadly carbon monoxide gas. A vehicle's exhaust system carries off carbon monoxide and other gases produced by the engine and muffles engine noise, but the build-up of gas could be deadly. According to AAA, carbon monoxide is odorless and can quickly cause death. Vehicles with exhaust pipes that become clogged by snow, ice or mud could leak carbon monoxide into the passenger compartment when the engine is running. Additionally, warming up a car in an enclosed space like a garage could pose a danger for the build-up of carbon monoxide. Drivers are advised to have a mechanic check their vehicle's exhaust system for leaks to reduce the threat of carbon monoxide poisoning. Prepare a cold weather kit In the event a driver gets stuck or faces a breakdown, a supply of cold-weather gear could be crucial. AAA suggests drivers prepare a kit to keep in the car that includes several essentials, like extra food and water, warm clothing, a flashlight, a glass scraper, blankets, medications, and more. Additional items that could prove helpful in the event drivers become stuck or suffer a breakdown include jumper cables, abrasive material like kitty litter or sand, a small shovel, an empty fuel can and even flares. Stay up to date Don't get caught off guard by winter weather. Those who have to hit the roads regularly should be sure to keep up with the latest weather reports and prepare for any potentially dangerous weather.