Although the month of November was uncharacteristically warm in the Chicago metropolitan area, first few weeks of December have been anything but balmy. Passengers in automobiles may appreciate the serene beauty that accompanies that the first blanketing of snow on trees and fields; however, Chicago drivers realize that the white accumulation also limits tire traction. With even colder temperatures settling into the region, the road conditions become ripe for accidents. Long-time Chicago residents recognize they should not expect clear roads in the months of December, January and February.