Winter driving is undoubtedly the most challenging type of driving. Snow, ice, poor visibility, and cold temperatures can increase the difficulty of navigating the roads. These conditions can also slash the margin for error — making it more important for you to mind your p’s and q’s.
Unfortunately, there are many accidents during the winter, usually due to drivers not taking the proper precautions on challenging road surfaces. The good news is there are some things you can put into practice immediately — if you haven’t already — to be safer behind the wheel.
Here are five winter driving tips to keep you, other drivers, passengers, and pedestrians safer.
1. Ensure Your Vehicle is Winter-Ready
One of the best things you can do to ensure your safety during winter weather conditions is to get your car checked out by a mechanic before the temperatures start to drop.
Start with your tires. Winter tires are better than all-season tires during the winter season. All-seasons will become rigid, costing you much-needed traction when it gets too cold. Meanwhile, winter tires are designed specifically for cold weather. The winter tire compounds will remain pliable, ensuring good traction, even when the temperatures dip.
You should also check your battery, since low temperatures will reduce battery power. If the battery is weak but worked well in warm weather, it may not be able to handle the sub-zero temperatures. Finally, ensure your lighting system, wipers, defrosters, and heaters are in good working order. Visibility and comfort are not winter niceties — they’re necessities.
While there’s no way to eliminate the risks of accidents on the road, you can greatly reduce your risks by equipping your vehicle with winter tires. You’ll ensure shorter stopping distances — which can potentially safeguard you from an accident and a personal injury lawsuit.
2. Slowing Down and Increasing Following Distance
Speed is a big factor in the number of accidents on the road in the winter. Even with the most modern safety features, it takes a car much longer to stop on a snowy or icy road. Speeds that are acceptable in the summer can be dangerously fast in the winter.
According to one source, speeding played a role in 29% — around three in 10 — of traffic fatalities in 2023. While those numbers aren’t just limited to winter driving, they show that speeding can be a matter of life and death.
In addition to slowing down, you should maintain a safe distance between your vehicle and the car ahead of you. Doing so will give you more time and space for evasive maneuvers if needed.
3. Adjust Your Driving to the Conditions
Weather conditions during the winter months can be unpredictable. It can suddenly change due to snow, ice, drifting snow, or a drop in temperature.
Bridges, overpasses, and areas shaded by trees are prone to freezing first. Another zone that might be hazardous is an intersection, which can have packed snow or ice due to stop-and-go traffic. It’s crucial to be extra cautious in such areas to avoid skidding and collisions.
4. Pack Emergency Supplies
Even the most prudent motorists can find themselves in some unforeseen situations in the winter, like being stuck in the snow or breaking down on the side of the road. Because of this, you should keep an adequately stocked kit in your trunk. Include things like the following:
- A warm blanket or some additional clothing
- Gloves, a hat, and insulated boots
- A flashlight with fresh batteries
- Jumper cables
- A shovel and devices for traction
- Canned and non-perishable food
- A phone charger or power bank
Preparedness will give you confidence and ensure you’re not left relying on luck when there are issues.
5. Stay Alert and Eliminate Distractions
It’s always important to be alert when behind the wheel. But doing so is all the more essential when the road conditions are the most challenging. Before getting into your car and buckling up, remove snow and ice from your car.
Don’t get distracted by things like using your cell phone, adjusting vehicle settings, or eating. It’s important that your hands stay on the steering wheel and your eyes on the road, particularly when you have less traction. Mental alertness also comes into play since a lack of alertness may slow down your reaction time and make it harder to avoid trouble.
Winter driving isn’t without its challenges, but you can navigate the roads safely during the cold weather months. Preparing your car, slowing down, adapting to the conditions, having emergency kits, and staying alert will boost your odds of staying safe.