DRIVE SAFE: Snowstorms and alcohol consumption are a terrible combination for drivers, but it looks like that’s what we’ll be seeing over New Year’s weekend.

AAA East Central and the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation offered suggestions for driving in snow and keeping motorists sober.

According to AAA, a little ahead-of-time planning will make it easier to see guests home safely. The organization recommends:

• Commit to never driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

• Never get in a motor vehicle with a driver that you suspect has been drinking or using drugs.

 • Call 911 if you observe a driver on the road that you believe may be under the influence. Warning signs can include drifting in and out of the travel lane, inability to maintain a consistent speed, or failure to obey traffic signs.

• Make transportation arrangements before you head out for the night. These include designating a driver, using public transportation, calling a taxi or staying overnight at your location.

• Remember: prescription, over-the-counter medications and illegal drugs also can impair your ability to drive safely.

• As a party host, offer non-alcoholic drink alternatives and provide a gift to guests who volunteer to be designated drivers; provide overnight accommodations to guests who’ve been drinking.

• Take the car keys away from friends and relatives who have had too much to drink.

• Since you can’t control the actions of other drivers on the road, the best protection is to buckle up every time you get into a vehicle.

Meanwhile, PennDOT warned of possible snow squalls in north central Pennsylvania over the next few days and offered these tips:

• Slow down gradually and drive at a speed that suits conditions.

• Turn on your headlights, stay in your lane and increase your following distance.

• Reduce in-car distractions and focus your full attention on driving.

• Keep windows and mirrors free of snow and ice and use the defroster and wipers.

 • During whiteouts, do not stop in the roadway. Come to a complete stop only when you can safely get as far off the road as possible or when there is a safe area to do so.

• Always buckle up and never drive impaired.

PennDOT says it’s armed and ready to send its forces out for snow clean-up duty on state roads, but the agency adds, “Motorists are reminded that roadways will not be free of snow while precipitation is falling. Roads that look wet may actually be icy, and extra caution is needed when approaching bridges and highway ramps. Motorists should leave plenty of space — six car lengths — when following a truck that is plowing or spreading winter materials.”