Some observations learned in 30 years of living in Maine.

I find that old snowmobile tracks, cut to managable size, make excellent (and free) traction mats. I have mine cut to the width of my pick-up bed and keep them under the cross bed tool box. Leave them there year around. Work well in mud too.

Sit in your vehicle with the engine off for about an hour some cold dark night. You will be motivated to learn a great deal about cold weather survival. Put some styrofoam under your feet. Makes a huge difference to have insulation there.

Keep a small folding shovel inside the vehicle. If you go off the road into deep snow, you may have to dig your way out via one of the windows. You won't be able to open the doors.

For the same reason, keep your survival gear in the passenger compartment, not in the trunk. If you are unable to get out of the vehicle, having food, blankets etc in the trunk will do you no good whatever.

Always dress for the weather, or at least carry sufficient clothing to be safe outside whenever you travel. Each year, people die in Maine because they were just running to grandma's down the road a bit when the went off the road.
they make the trip in a light sweater a hundred times without incident. But......just once........something happens.

If at all possible, call your destination before you leave. If you go off the road into the bush, you may not be noticed by other drivers. In a snow storm your tracks will be covered in minutes,especially if there is a wind. If you don't show up in a reasonable amount of time, at least someone will know your route and can take some action to help you.

Always think about what might happen as you drive. Not only does it keep your mind occupied and alert, you are much more inclined to take winter travel seriously. Reality is better than imagination. You might just take the time to re-check your survival gear.

Move to someplace warm....

Nomad. Now near Tampa Fla <smirk>.