Temperatures are getting cooler and the winter months in Illinois are right around the corner. The National Weather Service wants you to make sure you are prepared for the winter weather, and is reminding Central Illinois of several things to keep in mind so you can stay safe this winter.

Chris Miller is a Warning Coordination Meteorologist with the National Weather Service's Lincoln, Illinois office and appeared as a guest on the Newstalk WTIM Morning Show. Due to warmer than usual temperatures the past several winters, many drivers haven't had to deal with the snow and ice like in years past, and Miller reminded drivers to slow down, and drive safely in inclement weather.

Miller provided several statistics when it comes to traffic accidents in the winter months in Illinois, and also reminded that in the colder weather projected for this year, it's a good idea to keep an eye out for your neighbors.

Miller warned that a slip and fall accident could easily lead to things like hypothermia and even death in the cold weather if the victim is immobile and undiscovered for a lengthy period of time.