With the snowy weather come slick roads and a higher risk of going off the road and into a ditch.

“We have been busy non-stop for the last few months,” said Michael Fitzgerald[c1], owner of Northern Illinois Towing Co., 1701 State St.

After sliding off the road, some people are confused about what to do and who to call.

Fitzgerald provided the following tips and precautions for heading out in the not-so-nice winter weather.

1. Be prepared to wait in freezing weather for a tow truck. Drive with enough fuel to keep the car and heat going while waiting. Keep blankets or candles [c2]in the car as a backup.

2. Do not go out without a cell phone. Either store a towing company’s number in your phone or keep a phonebook in the car.

3. Call a towing company rather than let a random person with a pickup truck get the car out. If the person doesn’t know what they’re doing, this could lead to more vehicle damage.

4. Always have a rough idea of where you are located. Pay attention to road names, mile markers and bridges.

5. Make sure you can pay for the car to be towed. Keep cash, a credit card or a check on-hand to pay the tow company.