Snow overnight left streets slick in Winnipeg, and there were a number of minor collisions reported during the morning rush.

Despite those collisions, Manitoba Public Insurance spokesperson Brian Smiley says it's typically later in the winter that claims and collisions start to go up.

"As the winter progresses, as we see more ice and snow, then we may see collisions. Sleet and freezing ice are certainly factors in seeing a spike in collision claims, but the first early days not so much because motorists are being a little bit more careful than usual," he says.

Smiley says the number one tip for winter driving is to drive according to road conditions.

"Meaning slow down. The roads are a little bit slippery out there. We know that speed limits are set for ideal road conditions; I think everyone would agree that snow and ice on the roadway is far from ideal."

As for impaired driving, Smiley says there's more of a focus on it around the holidays because of police actions -- such as the Holiday Checkstop program -- but the unfortunate truth is impaired driving is happening all months of the year. His number one tip for people heading out this holiday season is to plan your way home in advance.

"Have a plan before you go out to partake... make arrangements for perhaps someone to pick you up, or arrange or a Taxi or a vehicle-for-hire, but have that plan before you start consuming alcohol. The worst thing you want to do is start making that plan after you've have a number of beverages."

Smiley says everyone wants to have a safe holiday season.