Winter storms can be a beautiful sight, but they bring a host of dangers for those who have to drive in them. Whether you’re heading out for work, running errands, or embarking on a longer journey, winter driving can be treacherous if you’re not prepared. Snow, ice, slush, and reduced visibility are just some of the hazards that can make even familiar routes risky. In this blog post, we’ll cover essential safety tips for driving during a winter storm, how to prepare your vehicle, and what to do if you find yourself caught in a snowstorm on the road.
1. Prepare Your Vehicle for Winter Driving
Before hitting the road, ensuring that your car is ready for the challenges winter weather can bring is crucial. Proper vehicle preparation can help prevent breakdowns and accidents, keeping you safe even in harsh conditions.
Check Your Tires
Tires are one of the most important parts of your car when driving in winter conditions. During a winter storm, it’s critical that your tires are in good condition and suited for the icy and snowy roads you may encounter. Consider these tire-related tips:
- Winter Tires: Winter tires are specifically designed to provide better traction on snow and ice. These tires remain flexible at lower temperatures, allowing them to grip the road more effectively.
- Tire Pressure: Cold weather can cause tire pressure to drop, so check your tire pressure regularly and keep it at the recommended level. Under-inflated tires can reduce your car’s grip on slippery surfaces.
- Tread Depth: Ensure that your tires have sufficient tread depth. Worn-out tires are more likely to slip, making it difficult to control your vehicle.
Check Fluid Levels
In addition to tire maintenance, checking your car’s fluid levels is essential:
- Antifreeze: Make sure your antifreeze levels are optimal to prevent your engine from freezing.
- Windshield Washer Fluid: Snow and slush can quickly obscure your visibility, so fill up your windshield washer reservoir with a winter formula to prevent it from freezing.
- Oil and Other Fluids: Cold temperatures can make engine oil more viscous. Ensure that your engine oil is the right type for winter conditions and check other essential fluids like brake fluid and power steering fluid.
Inspect Your Battery
Cold weather can take a toll on your car’s battery, especially if it’s already a few years old. Get your battery checked before winter weather sets in, and make sure the terminals are clean and free of corrosion. If your battery is more than three years old, consider replacing it to reduce the chances of being stranded in a snowstorm.
Ensure Proper Lighting
Winter storms often bring low visibility, especially during the night. Ensure that your headlights, tail lights, and turn signals are all functioning correctly. Also, don’t forget to clean the lenses regularly during a storm, as snow, ice, and road grime can obscure the light they produce.
Pack an Emergency Kit
Even if you’re just driving short distances, it’s essential to be prepared for the unexpected. A winter driving emergency kit should include:
- Blankets or warm clothing
- Non-perishable food and water
- A flashlight with extra batteries
- A first aid kit
- Ice scraper and snow brush
- Jumper cables
- Sand, salt, or kitty litter (for traction if you get stuck)
- Flare or reflective warning triangles to signal if you’re stranded
- Portable phone charger to ensure your phone stays charged in case of an emergency
2. Before You Hit the Road: Plan Ahead
Driving in a winter storm is far more dangerous if you don’t plan your route and timing appropriately. Here’s what you should do before leaving:
Check the Weather Forecast
Always check the weather before you leave. Use reliable sources like the National Weather Service or local meteorological sites to understand the severity and timing of the storm. If conditions are expected to worsen, consider postponing your trip or finding an alternate route.
Know Your Route
Be familiar with the roads you’re traveling on. Avoid routes that are less traveled, as these may not be cleared as quickly as main highways. Additionally, consider choosing roads that are known to be well-maintained in winter conditions, even if they’re slightly longer.
Drive During Daylight
If possible, try to schedule your driving during daylight hours. Driving in a winter storm at night significantly reduces visibility, making it harder to spot hazards on the road such as ice patches, snowdrifts, and stalled vehicles.
Tell Someone Your Plan
If you’re traveling in a storm, make sure someone knows your route and expected arrival time. This way, if you get stranded or have an emergency, someone will know where to look for you.
3. On the Road: Driving Tips for Winter Storms
Once you’re out on the road, your driving habits will make all the difference. Winter storms require different techniques to drive safely than you might use in more favorable conditions. Here are several tips to help keep you safe:
Slow Down
The most important rule when driving in a winter storm is to slow down. Even if the roads seem fine, conditions can change rapidly. Snow, ice, and black ice can make roads slick, and stopping distances will increase on wet or frozen roads. Allow extra space between you and the car in front of you to give yourself more time to react.
Increase Following Distance
When driving in winter weather, increase your following distance to at least 6–8 seconds. On icy roads, it may take several hundred feet to stop, and a longer distance will give you more time to react to any sudden changes in traffic.
Use Your Headlights
Whenever visibility is reduced — whether due to snow, sleet, or fog — use your headlights. This will make your car more visible to other drivers. Avoid using high beams, as they can reflect off the snow and make it harder to see.
Avoid Sudden Movements
Sudden acceleration, braking, or sharp turns can cause your car to lose traction, especially on icy or snow-packed roads. Make all movements gradually to keep your vehicle under control. If you need to brake, do so gently and early.
Don’t Use Cruise Control
Cruise control can be a helpful feature in normal driving conditions, but it’s dangerous to use in winter weather. Cruise control can cause your tires to spin if the road becomes slippery, and you won’t be able to react quickly enough if you begin to lose traction.
Steer Into Skids
If your vehicle starts to skid, do not panic. Turn the steering wheel in the direction you want the front of your vehicle to go. If you’re skidding to the right, steer right. If you’re skidding to the left, steer left. Avoid slamming on the brakes, as that can make the situation worse.
Stay Calm in Traffic
If you’re stuck in heavy snow or a traffic jam, try to stay calm and patient. Avoid weaving in and out of lanes, as that can lead to accidents. Keep your windows clear of snow and ice, and avoid excessive idling, which can waste fuel and reduce visibility.
4. What to Do If You Get Stranded
Even if you take all the necessary precautions, winter storms can still leave you stranded. Here’s what to do if you find yourself stuck on the road:
Stay in Your Car
If you’re stranded in a snowstorm, stay inside your car, especially if the storm is severe. Your car will provide some shelter from the cold, and it will be easier for rescuers to find you if you’re inside. Turn on your hazard lights to make your vehicle visible to other drivers, but only run the engine intermittently to avoid carbon monoxide buildup.
Keep Warm
Use blankets or warm clothing from your emergency kit to keep warm. If you’re traveling with others, huddle together to conserve body heat. Run the engine only for short periods to warm up the car, but be sure to crack a window open slightly to ensure ventilation.
Call for Help
If you have cell service, call for roadside assistance or emergency services. Provide them with your location, the nature of your situation, and any relevant details (e.g., how much fuel you have left or how many passengers are with you). If you don’t have a phone or reception, wait for help to arrive.
Conserve Battery Power
To prevent your phone from dying, use it only when necessary. Turn off non-essential apps and dim the screen to conserve battery life.
5. Conclusion
Winter storms bring a unique set of challenges when it comes to driving. Whether you’re on a short commute or a long journey, taking precautions before and during your trip can make all the difference. By ensuring that your vehicle is properly prepared, adjusting your driving habits for winter conditions, and knowing what to do in case of an emergency, you can significantly reduce the risks of winter driving. Stay safe out there, and remember: the best way to avoid an accident during a winter storm is simply not to drive unless absolutely necessary.
By following these winter driving safety tips, you can navigate snowy roads with confidence, knowing that you are taking the necessary precautions to protect yourself and others.
