Spend a few minutes checking out your important vehicle systems before hitting the road this winter to prevent your holiday travel from turning into a hassle.

Arriving safely should be every driver's primary concern. While winter weather, increased traffic, driver fatigue and shortened daylight hours can make driving more hazardous during winter, a poorly maintained vehicle shouldn't be added to that list of potential driving hazards.

Here are some simple vehicle safety checks that drivers can do, starting with the front windshield.

More than 75 percent of all accidents that occur during severe weather are due to impaired visibility. Advance Auto Parts recommends getting new wiper blades every six months, (which they will install for free if purchased from them) and switching to high-quality winter blades in areas where snow and ice are expected.

Every vehicle should be equipped with an emergency kit that includes a flashlight, flares or reflective triangles, blanket, food bars, water, cell phone and charger, and a first aid kit.

And because it's just as important to see as it is to be seen on the road, check all vehicle lights, including headlights, taillights, marker bulbs, fog lights and interior lights.

Other safety tips include:

• Check tire tread depth and look for signs of irregular wear. Measure tire pressure when the tires are cold. Inflate the tires to the pressure recommended by the vehicle manufacturer - information that can be found on the driver's side door post - but never exceed the maximum inflation pressure printed on the tire sidewall. Proper tire pressure ensures maximum traction, fuel economy, handling, and stopping power.
• Clean all mirrors and adjust them to cover as much of the "blind spot" as possible.
• Strap down all cargo. Even in low-speed accidents, gift boxes and travel supplies become projectiles inside the vehicle.

Once you've completed the safety check, you can then focus on maximizing fuel economy, even though your vehicle may be loaded down with people and the items you are carrying, by having a clean air filter and by adding fuel injector cleaner to the vehicle's gas tank prior to departure.