Prepare early for winter driving

BLUE MOUNTAINS - The snow is starting to fall in Washington State mountain passes and drivers should prepare for slippery roads.

On Oct. 10 the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) was training crews to operate a grader in the Blue Mountains as the snow was coming down.

Before driving across passes in Washington state, check the WSDOT website at www.wsdot.com/traffic/passes.

Some WSDOT tips:

• Drive for conditions: slower speeds and slower acceleration

• Check to see if you have traction tires and chains

• Do not use cruise control

• Four-wheel and all-wheel drive vehicles do...