Posted Thursday, December 3, 2009 --- 6:47 p.m.

The first snowfall of the season usually means an increase in car crashes and fender benders. Although it happens every year, many people seem to forget how to drive in wintry conditions.

"We're all amazed, those of us in Wisconsin, about how everybody forgets what it's like," says Jeff Huber, co-owner of Drive for Live Driving School on Madison's east side. "[The] most important thing is be smooth. Try to drive, when things get really bad, try to drive as though you've got a cup of water on the dashboard. Try not to do anything sudden on the car."

Jeff also reminds drivers that stopping distance increases anywhere between 2 and 4 times depending on the road conditions, so giving yourself extra space from other drivers on the road will greatly reduce your chance of getting in an accident.

Making preparations before you set out on the roads can also reduce your chance of getting into a crash. " Well to prepare, clean your car up, make sure your windshield washer fluid is filled, etc. In other words, first fixate on the vehicle, make sure that's ready," says Jeff. Jeff also says that taking the time to prepare your vehicle for snow and ice can help you better focus on treacherous road conditions.

Traveling on the roads is not the only place where winter weather hazards can take us by surprise. Dr. Anthony Callisto M.D. is the Medical Director at St. Mary's Sun Prairie Emergency Center.

He says that he sees an increase in patients through the emergency room doors each winter with cardiac related problems due to shoveling.

"Definitely early in the season you can start to have some exercise intolerance, especially if you haven't been exercising, so be careful," says Dr. Callisto, "and if you do start to have any signs of chest pain or chest discomfort, immediately stop what you're doing and call a doctor. "

Dr. Callisto also sees an increase in the number of fall related injuries due to slippery sidewalks and driveways. Wearing shoes with good traction, using handrails and clearing your sidewalks from ice and snow will help to limit your chances of injury due to falling this winter.