CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP) - As we prepare for winter weather, drivers are urged to use caution and be vigilant on the roads. Winter Storm Warning: what to expect According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, dangerous winter storms, bad weather, and sloppy road conditions are a factor in nearly half a million crashes and more than 2,000 road deaths in an average winter. If you do have to travel somewhere in these conditions, remember to clear all snow and ice from your car, and check your tires and wipers before you leave. Drive slowly, and increase your following distance. This will allow you time to stop safely if the other driver brakes suddenly. If you start to skid, do not brake hard. Take your foot off the accelerator, and turn your steering wheel in the direction you want to go. Local News Headlines Longmeadow police arrest suspects connected with hoax bomb Heavy snow and frigid Arctic blast put 70 million across the US under winter storm warnings Best practices for driving in winter weather Springfield fire dept. responds to multiple car accidents Sunday morning WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.