It's a time that law enforcement dreads, the first significant snowfall of the season. Drivers seem to have to learn all over again how to navigate safely on icy roads and that means a lot of accidents.

Sergeant Carlos Smith of the Canton post of the State Highway Patrol says its a matter of making adjustments for the deteriorating road conditions, and making sure your car is prepared with the proper tire tread depth .

Ohio State Highway Patrol Sgt. Carlos Smith by Akron NewsNow

Smith tells AkronNewsNow the best advice is to go below the posted speed limit and keep a close eye on the road surface. " Sometimes wet road conditions, depending on temperature can also cause black ice that is not visible to the naked eye. We generally advise people to slow down, pay attention to the road conditions and weather reports which generally can give you a good idea of what you can look forward to."

Sgt. Smith says driving with caution can save you a trip to the hospital or an auto body shop.