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If the last two years are any indication, heavy snow, sleet and ice are bound to be in the forecast this winter. While many D.C.-area residents love the sight of snow, there are not too many who can drive well in it. Be prepared for the worst Mother Nature has to offer and never feel defenseless driving in winter weather again.

Price: $55 per hour driving instruction

Whether you’ve had your license for six months or 60 years, winter weather can impair anyone’s ability and confidence behind the wheel. At CAS Driving School, teens and adults learn all the skills necessary to become responsible and competent drivers, during the winter or otherwise. Learn vehicle control and defensive driving skills as well as how to navigate around the city and the Beltway. CAS Driving School also provides parallel parking lessons, road test preparation and a refresher course for drivers with expired licenses. Purchase a block of hours and receive discounted rates.

Winter weather has the tendency to wreak havoc on area roads (Snowmageddon anyone?) Put your mind at ease and schedule a check-up for your car prior to the onset of any kind of winter weather precipitation. Make sure your battery has plenty of juice, ensure all of your lights work and that the brakes are in good shape. Don’t forget to test your tire pressure and anti-freeze levels. Auto Tech Service provides all of these services and more including oil changes, tire rotations, brake services and auto-related repairs at a reasonable price with a reasonable turnaround time. Doors open at 8 a.m.

Related: Road Trip Rules – Prep For A Safe And Fun Road Trip

Avoid a deadly, dangerous situation and remove all snow from your car, especially from the roof of your car, truck or SUV. Old School Hardware provides all of the tools you need to rid your car of the frozen stuff including extendable snow brooms and heavy duty tarps. The shop also provides de-icer for frozen car door locks, jumper cables, emergency tire repair kits, window washer fluid and dual-action anti-freeze.

Price: $47 Two-Person Disaster Kit Backpack/$37 Personal Safety Pack with Backpack

While everyone dreams of waking up to a winter wonderland, sometimes winter weather strikes at really inopportune moments, just like it did in 2011 when commuting home from work turned into a massive multi-hour ordeal for many area residents. Be prepared for any roadside emergency with an emergency car kit. Pack a bag with blankets, snacks and sand to help your car get out of any sticky spot. If creating your own doesn’t seem plausible, purchase an emergency preparedness kit from the American Red Cross National Capital Area chapter. Each kit contains everything you need during an emergency including drinking water, a blanket, a poncho, a first aid kit, light sticks, a flashlight and other essential items in a sturdy backpack. The Red Cross National Capital Area chapter also provides first aid and roadside safety kits, winter apparel and solar-powered radios.

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Wintertime in the D.C. area means less hours of sunlight and black ice. Add frozen precipitation to the picture, and you’ve got yourself a recipe for imminent danger. Make sure your eyesight is in tip-top shape and schedule a yearly eye exam at Washington Eye Associates. The state-of-the-art office provides eye examinations and consultations as well as refractive surgeries such as LASIK. Check out the latest designs in eyeglasses or give contact lenses a try. Washington Eye Associates also features an on-site lab for same-day delivery for certain eyeglass prescriptions.