As we enter the Thanksgiving weekend, we find ourselves with moderate weather and excellent road conditions.

I know that many of the deer hunters out there would like to have some snow on the ground for tracking, but I think I speak for the rest of us who are just fine with the continued fall like conditions.

So far, the precipitation has been the type that takes care of itself and does not require my assistance in shoveling. However the white stuff is sure to be arriving soon.

It never fails that many of us are caught off guard by the first few storms and the potential dangers that accompany them. Just over the past few years there has been many a situation where motorists have found themselves stranded with little or no resources, and many times help can be a long time in arriving.

These past incidents provide us with a stark warning that we, too, could find ourselves stranded . Pre-planning our winter readiness could mean the difference between a mere inconvenience and a tragic experience.

It is a good practice to maintain a full tank of fuel throughout the winter season. This means filling up at the end of your day’s commute so that you are starting out the next day or next trip with a full tank.

As temperatures begin their inevitable descent, it may also be a good idea to add fuel treatment each time you fill your tanks to prevent gas line freeze-up.

Each vehicle should be equipped with some basic essentials. A blanket and extra set of winter gear is always a great idea. A set of jumper cables or even a portable power pack is also a great resource, not only for your vehicle but also to provide assistance to others. You may want to consider a small kit which may include some bottled water, as well as some snack bars.

As in all travels, it is a great idea to let others know where you are going and, even more importantly, a travel route you plan on taking.

We are fortunate to live in an age of technology where we are only a cell phone call away from assistance. An additional gadget that may aid in the ability to maintain that vital communication would be an adapter for charging those devices from your vehicle.

It is my hope that we have a record-breaking season of very few accidents and, even more importantly, no injuries. Cautious driving and pre-planning are the key to a successful winter traveling season, and I wish everyone safe Thanksgiving travels.

Matt Joski is Kewaunee County Sheriff.

This article originally appeared on Green Bay Press-Gazette: Planning ahead one of the keys to safe winter driving