The weekend forecast predicts severe winter weather patterns for parts of North Georgia. The Governor's Office of Highway Safety reminds drivers that those predictions could mean unexpected hazardous driving conditions for travelers on some roads and interstates from the Atlanta Metro area north to the Georgia state line.

With an 80% chance of freezing rain, sleet, or snow now predicted along with freezing temperatures to possibly begin after midnight Friday, GOHS provides motorists this list of important safe driving tips:

1. Number One is a no-brainer.. If you don’t have to go out in hazardous weather conditions, then stay home! It’s the weekend! Stay home where it’s warm and you won’t take a chance of crashing on icy roads or being stranded in the cold.

2. If you have to drive, give it your full concentration. This is no time for distracted drivers with cell phones and sandwiches in their hands. Drive cautiously with both hands on the wheel.

3. Slow down! Driving too fast for conditions is what gets many drivers in trouble when they hit that unseen pocket of icy road. This is a day where you leave yourself plenty of time to get where you’re going. Plan to be patient or don’t plan to leave the house at all. Buckle your safety belt.

4. Don’t tailgate or follow too close. Avoid “grouping-up” with a pack of other vehicles, especially at higher speeds. This may help you avoid those terrible chain reaction crashes you see on the news.

5. Don’t panic! If you find yourself sliding or losing control, take your foot off the gas and resist the temptation to slam on the brakes. Slamming the brakes will only eliminate what little traction you have.

6. If you start to spin, you’re pretty much at the mercy of the ice. But experienced road Troopers at the Georgia State Patrol advise us to counter-steer in the direction of the spin until the vehicle comes to a stop. If you’re driving slow, this won’t be nearly as terrifying.

7. This brings us back to Safe Winter Driving Tip Number One. The Georgia State Patrol also advises motorists who insist on driving in winter weather conditions to carry a freshly charged cell phone and have warm clothes, a blanket and working flashlight in their vehicle. Because once you’re stranded during a severe weather episode, it may take emergency services awhile to get to you, due to the inclement conditions and the increased number of severe incidents that usually occur. Slow Down. Buckle Up. Drive Sober.