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KIRKSVILLE, MISSOURI -- The blizzard has passed, but its hazardous conditions are still very much present.

Sgt. Brent Bernhardt of the Missouri State Highway Patrol said the secondary and primary roads are still going to be somewhat slick.

More and more people are getting back out on the roadway, which means you need to be even more careful. Make sure you completely clear you windows and windshield of snow and ice debris. Sgt. Bernhardt said there are a few keys to safe driving in these conditions.

“Planning and patience; allowing for extra time in your travels, making sure that you drive at much slower speeds and recognizing that you’re not going to be able to stop as quickly as you normally would be able to do so,” said Sgt. Bernhardt.

He also said now is a good time to make sure your car is in proper mechanical condition.

“Make sure that your windshield wipers are working properly, that your heaters and defrosters are working properly,” he said. “We ask that you carry some extra clothing in your car this time of year, in the event that you do become stranded.”

If you are involved in a minor traffic accident, there are rules that apply.

“It is a Missouri State Law that you are required to pull that vehicle off of the roadway as quickly as possible. They say that if you block a lane of traffic on a major highway for one minute, it causes a four minute back-up,” said Sgt. Bernhardt.