The screens can operate independently or they can operate simultaneously. So if the kiddos want to watch the same movie they can without needing an extra copy of the DVD and the same applies with video games or other devices that utilize the RCA inputs. The units also include infrared headphones. The option is a very hefty $4,300, unfortunately, but regardless, other manufacturers should take note. This is how you execute backseat in-car entertainment. It's all about making the family vehicle as much like a taxi cab or police car as possible—you must separate the front from the back. [Carpages]

Time: Give yourself plenty of extra time for getting to your destination. Speed limits are for perfect, dry conditions. On winter's icy roadways, half the speed limit may be suicide.

Vision: Take the time to clear all windows of snow, ice or fog before starting out. Also clear any snow off the hood - it comes loose when driving.

Lights: Even though you can see, drive with low-beam headlights in snow, fog or just winter murk. Keep all lenses free of dirt by wiping them periodically. Dirty headlights can cut visibility by 50 percent or more. Don't forget the directional lights, taillights and rotating lights.

Tires: Be sure your tires have adequate tread for traction in snow and to reduce the risk of hydroplaning in rain or puddles on the road. You may hear that putting extra weight in the trunk or truck bed gives better traction. Traction might be helped a little but at the expense of steering control and longer stopping distance. Likewise, you may hear that reducing tire pressure is another way of increasing traction. Reducing air pressure will not give you more traction and your tires could become seriously underinflated, affecting steering. Keep in mind that every time the outside temperature drops 10 degrees, the tire air pressure goes down about one pound per square inch. Remember too that underinflated tires are the major cause of tire failure.

Ice/Freezing Rain: At 30 degrees ice is twice as slippery as it is at 0 degrees. It also forms first and lasts longer on bridges and in the shade. If you hit an unexpected patch, don't try to brake, accelerate or downshift. Let up on your accelerator and let your vehicle "roll" through the slippery area. When freezing rain is occurring resulting in icing conditions, please pull over to the side of the road until the road has been treated with sand and salt.

Skidding: If you go into a skid, act quickly by taking your foot off the accelerator. Keep your foot off the brake and steer in the direction the rear of the vehicle is skidding. In other works, if you want your vehicle to go right, turn right. If you want it to go left, turn left. Hold the steering wheel firmly, but don't make large turns. Use a light touch to correct the swerve.

Braking: Your owner's manual will usually recommend the braking technique most effective for your car. For front and rear wheel drive vehicles with disc or drum brakes the National Safety council recommends the following procedure: Squeeze your brakes with a slow, steady pressure until just before they lock. When you feel them start to lock, ease off until your wheels are rolling; then squeeze again.

Following Distance: Maintain at least three times the normal following distance on snow or ice. If you are being followed too closely, maintain an extra distance behind the vehicle ahead so that you can slow down or brake gradually. Be prepared to adjust speed and /or stop to avoid colliding with the vehicle in front of you. Plan ahead when approaching intersections to that braking can be done smoothly.

Stay on the Beaten Path: Stay in line when traveling to or from a snow zone. Don't blaze your own trail, especially going downhill - you'll only manage to create a worse situation. You'll even clog the only open space emergency snow vehicles can travel.

Walking on Ice or Snow: After being in a warm vehicle, the soles of shoes or boots are warm enough to melt snow or ice, creating a film of water between the sole and the snow or ice surface. Be especially cautious for the first five minutes after leaving the vehicle. When walking on snow or ice, use short steps and keep your hands out of your pockets. These factors will help you maintain your balance. If you do fall, tuck your arms close to your body and roll with the fall.

Stay Clear of Plows and Sanders: Watch out for these vehicles as you round corners, curbs, etc. They do not travel at a high speed; therefore, you'll tend to come up on them quickly. Slow down. Plows and sanders will pull over periodically to let traffic pass. It's risky to pass on the left of a snowplow because of blowing snow. Never pass on the right. Flying rock can damage your car if you pass a sander. The best advice is to stay three car lengths behind plows and sanders. [CONN DOT]

We're gearing up here in Detroit for a pretty big winter storm. According to our boy in second city, Matt Hardigree (more on him later), they've already gotten "a lot [of snow], and it's blowing around." The Matt-man and I are both counting our blessings that it's only snow and not record-breaking cold. If it had been, at least one of us could have ended up like this poor sap in Columbus, Ohio who saw his purple Honda frozen to the street due to a double-tap of trouble — a parking next to a water main break and sub-zero temperatures. Although really, he's getting it lucky — 'round these parts if a man's parking a purple Honda in the wrong place, it won't get covered — it'll get filled — with water. Nothing like water, ice and pressure damage all at once. Check out the gallery below — we're going to go batten down the hatches or something. – Ray Wert

Water Main Breaking + Overnight Street Parking = Funny Pics [TribalWar.com via Digg]
Get ready for a snowy, windy afternoon commute [Freep]

Related:
Detroit Auto Show: Action on the Mercedes Ice Rink [internal]

There's action everywhere now; Journalists are pouring into the Cobo center like Canadian Club on Bobby Orr Day. The sneakier of us caught moving pictures of the already locally infamous Mercedes ice rink, during rehearsal. It's totally awesome to the max. The ice skating lads are all dapper in their American Eagle gear, and the lasses have lovely rosy cheeks (even though the stuff is synthetic real it's already hot in here). What any of this has to do with highly precise schteel, we have no idea. What? The Maybach area across the way is serving some biscuit, egg and ham action. Off to the races! – Ben Wojdyla