If you live in Chicago you realize that winter is upon us as the high temperatures are only going to reach the mid 30s all week and possibly only 27 on Friday. Light snow is also in the upcoming forecast.  The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) is gearing up for the winter season and their website provides several tips for Illinois motorists to help them avoid car crashes during dangerous conditions:

-don't crowd the snow plow
-drive slow when approaching intersections to avoid black ice
-keeping the gas tank at least two-thirds full to help prevent the fuel line from freezing
-carry an emergency "car care kit" containing jumper cables, flares or reflectors, windshield washer fluid, a -small ice scraper, traction material, blankets, non-perishable food and a first aid kit

"Illinois State Police districts are coordinating road safety plans with the tollway and IDOT to ensure that our traffic enforcement priorities include safe driving, safe roads and safe access for all citizens during the winter months," ISP Division of Operations Mark Piccoli said in a release.