Driving in itself can be a difficult task, but driving during the winter in State College can be even tougher.

Over the weekend there were about 12 car accidents caused by the snowy conditions, according to the State College Police Department.

The bulk of these accidents occurred during Saturday's snowfall.

Local authorities suggest several things drivers should consider before driving in winter weather, as well as preparations drivers should take before the inclimate weather happens.

People do not always drive according to the conditions and don't understand they cannot drive 55 miles per hour in the snow — no matter what the speed limit is, State College Police Department said.

Most of the accidents over the weekend were due to careless driving in the snow, police said.

The reports indicated that many accidents occurred because drivers could not stop their vehicles in the slippery conditions.

Five cars were involved in a collision on East College Avenue when one car lost control while approaching a red light, crashed into the car in front of it and caused a chain reaction.

Accidents are not the only problem students face during the winter weather.

"Making sure your tires are in good condition is one of the most important things during the winter months," said Gary Green, owner of College Heights Exxon.

Good tires can make the difference between sliding out of control and stopping, he said.

Students must also make sure their antifreeze, transmission fluid, oil and gas tanks are always full. If the gas tank is very low, the gas can freeze, Green said.

A lot of students do not like to drive in the winter, or they leave their cars sitting in front of their houses at home instead of bringing them to school.

These people must still make sure their car gets a little bit of running time, Green said.

"Don't let your car sit all winter," he said. "It's good to run your car as often as you can."

Students should also keep up with regular maintenance.

Green stresses the most important aspect of car care. "Just drive sensibly," he said.

Many students said they understand the basic car care precautions that need to be taken.

"I just had my oil and other fluids changed, so they would be OK for the winter," Ronnie Bernardo (junior-business management) said.

A scraper and brush are always in his car to clear off snow from his windows and windshield, he said.

However, he tries to drive his car as little as possible in the winter, which may not be good for his vehicle, but he thinks it's best for his safety.

"I try not to drive too much in the winter because I hate the snow," he said.