Driving in snow can be daunting, especially when the roads are clearly hazardous. Whether you’re a seasoned snow expert or new to winter driving, these tricky conditions require extra attention. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were 498 fatal traffic crashes and an estimated 32,213 injury crashes in snow or sleet in 2022 alone. But don’t let that stop you from traveling during wintertime. With the right precautions in place, navigating snowy roads doesn’t have to be a highly stressful experience! In this guide, we’ll walk you through essential tips to ensure your winter driving is as safe as possible. From preparing your vehicle to navigating tricky roads, we’ve got you covered snow driving safety tips.
8 Snow Driving Tips you Need to Know This Winter
1. Use Snow Tires—Not Just All-Season Tires: Why It Matters
When driving in snowy conditions, one of the most important things to keep in mind is your tires. Snow tires are specifically designed to handle snow, ice, and colder temperatures. Unlike all-season tires, which can stiffen in the cold and lose their grip, snow tires have a unique tread pattern and rubber composition that help them stay flexible and provide better traction on snow-covered roads.
If you’re relying on all-season tires in winter, you could be setting yourself up for trouble. Snow tires aren’t just for extreme snowstorms, they make everyday winter driving safer. A quick visit to your mechanic or tire shop can ensure you’re ready for winter roads.
Real-World Scenario: Imagine trying to drive in the snow with all-season tires. Your car slides on an icy patch, and suddenly, you’re stuck. That’s why investing in snow tires is crucial for those living in areas where snow is common in wintertime.
2. Time Your Travel: Why Rushing in Snow Is a Recipe for Disaster
When it’s snowing heavily or the roads are icy, speeding is one of the most dangerous mistakes you can make. Even if you’re running late or trying to catch up to your schedule, rushing when driving in snowy conditions only increases the risk of losing control of your vehicle. Snowy roads require extra time to stop, especially if you’re driving too fast.
Real-World Scenario: Consider this: You’re speeding to make it to a meeting, but the road is slick. Suddenly, the car in front of you slams on its brakes, and because you’re going too fast, you don’t have enough time to stop. The result? A fender-bender that could have been avoided if you had left earlier.
Actionable Tip: Plan your travel time with winter weather in mind. Allow extra time for snow and ice removal from your car and to account for slower traffic. Google Maps can provide real-time traffic and weather updates, so you’re never caught off guard by unexpected delays.
3. Slow Down, But Don’t Overdo It: Find the Sweet Spot for Snowy Roads
Driving too fast and driving too slow in snowy conditions can both lead to trouble. When you slow down too much, you can make it harder for others to pass, and you risk losing traction on the road. However, driving too quickly increases the likelihood of skidding or sliding on icy patches.
The Sweet Spot: A good rule of thumb is to reduce your speed by 5-10 mph below the posted speed limit during light snow. For heavier snow or icy roads, consider slowing down to around 20-25 mph, depending on how severe the conditions are.
Real-World Scenario: A driver attempting to slow down to 10 mph on an icy road might find themselves losing traction, while someone going too fast might easily slide through a turn. Find that middle ground that keeps you in control and allows you to react to changing conditions.
4. Understand How to Use Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS) and Traction Control in Snow
Modern cars are equipped with Anti-lock Braking Systems (ABS) and traction control to help you maintain control while driving in snowy conditions. However, many drivers don’t fully understand how to use these systems effectively.
ABS Myths vs. Facts: ABS does not stop your car faster, though it can help you maintain control while braking, especially on slippery surfaces. If your car starts to skid, ABS allows you to keep steering while still applying pressure to the brake pedal.
Real-World Scenario: A driver might panic and slam on the brakes when they feel their car starting to slide. This mistake can actually make things worse. Instead, they should firmly press down on the brake pedal, allowing ABS to pulse and prevent the wheels from locking up.
Actionable Tip: If your vehicle has ABS, do not pump the brakes. Instead, apply consistent pressure to the brake pedal. In certain snow conditions, turning off traction control can be beneficial, especially if you’re stuck in deep snow and need more wheel slip to get out.
5. Never Slam on the Brakes in Snow: Master the Art of Pumping Brakes
Slam on the brakes in snowy conditions, and you risk locking up your wheels and losing control. It’s crucial to learn how to brake correctly when driving in snowy conditions!
Why Slamming the Brakes Doesn’t Work: When you slam on the brakes, your car might skid because the wheels lose traction with the road. If you have an older car without ABS, you should pump the brakes to regain control.
Real-World Scenario: A person driving on a snowy hill panics and slams on the brakes, only to find themselves sliding right through the intersection. If they had pumped the brakes instead, they might have retained traction and had more control over their vehicle.
Actionable Tip: In snowy conditions, always apply gentle pressure to the brakes. If your car doesn’t have ABS, pump the brakes gently to avoid skidding. This will help you stop without losing control of your car.
6. Clear Off All Snow and Ice: Avoid These Risky Shortcuts
Before hitting the road, make sure your vehicle is fully cleared of snow and ice. Many drivers make the mistake of just brushing off the windshield and not thinking about the roof, lights, or side mirrors. Snow can slide off your roof and obstruct your vision or endanger other drivers.
Risky Shortcuts: A snow-covered roof can cause snow to slide off and cover your windshield, leading to visibility problems while driving. The snow could also fly off and obstruct the driver behind you.
Real-World Scenario: On the highway, snow from an improperly cleared roof can slide down and block the rearview mirror, making it difficult to check traffic. Or, snow from the roof could fall onto your windshield while you’re driving, causing a dangerous moment of limited visibility.
Actionable Tip: Always clear snow from your vehicle’s roof, headlights, taillights, windows, and mirrors before driving. A good snow brush and ice scraper will be your best friends during winter.
7. Stay Updated on Weather and Road Conditions—Your Lifeline to Safe Driving
Before heading out on the road in snowy conditions, always check the weather and road reports. Snowstorms and icy patches can make roads treacherous, and knowing what to expect ahead of time can help you avoid dangerous situations.
Real-World Scenario: A driver heads out without checking weather reports, only to find themselves stuck on an icy stretch of road that has been blocked off due to dangerous conditions. Had they checked the forecast, they could have avoided that mess altogether.
Actionable Tip: Use weather apps like AccuWeather to stay up-to-date with winter weather warnings. If conditions are bad, stay home or adjust your schedule.
8. Sunglasses Are Your Friend on Snowy Sunny Days
On bright, snowy days, the glare from the snow can be blinding. This can be especially dangerous when driving in snowy conditions, as it reduces visibility and makes it harder to see obstacles, other vehicles, or icy patches.
Why Sunglasses Are Essential: The reflection of sunlight off snow can make it feel like you’re driving directly into the sun. Polarized sunglasses can help reduce this glare and improve your visibility.
Real-World Scenario: On a sunny snowy day, a driver is blinded by the glare from the snow, making it hard to see an icy patch up ahead. With sunglasses, they could have reduced that glare and been better prepared for the road conditions.
Actionable Tip: Always keep a pair of polarized sunglasses in your car during winter. They’ll help you navigate snowy roads on sunny days, reducing glare and improving your ability to spot hazards.
When to Stay Home, and When to Hit the Road
Driving in snowy conditions doesn’t have to be a nerve-wracking experience. By following these practical tips, you can ensure that your winter journeys are safer and more manageable. However, if the weather is particularly harsh, or your vehicle isn’t properly equipped to handle certain snow conditions, it’s sometimes best to stay home until conditions improve.
Remember, safety should always come first. Whether you’re new to driving in snow or have been handling winter roads for years, taking the proper precautions will help you avoid accidents and stay in control.
How YourPolicy Can Help Keep You Safe on Snowy Roads
Winter driving can be unpredictable, but the right auto insurance coverage can help you stay protected. At YourPolicy, we offer comprehensive auto insurance tailored to your needs so you can drive with confidence in snowy conditions.
Before you hit the snow, review your coverage with one of our experts. We’re here to make sure you’re fully prepared.
Call a YourPolicy agent at (866) 236-0203 or fill out our contact form to get started!
Winter Driving FAQs: Expert Tips for Staying Safe in Snowy States Like Alaska, Michigan, Washington and New York
Driving in snowy conditions can be challenging, especially in states like Alaska, Michigan, Washington, New York, and Minnesota, where heavy snow is a regular part of winter. To help you navigate these icy roads safely, here’s a simple overview of some of the most common winter driving questions we’ve discussed.
1. What are the best tips for driving safely on snowy roads?
To drive safely on snowy roads, reduce your speed, use snow tires for better traction, and leave extra stopping distance. Always clear snow and ice from your vehicle, avoid sudden braking, and keep an emergency kit in your car for added safety.
2. Do I need snow tires, or are all-season tires good enough for winter driving?
Snow tires are highly recommended for winter driving because they provide better grip and flexibility in cold conditions. All-season tires can stiffen in low temperatures, reducing traction on snow and ice.
3. How can I stop my car from sliding on icy roads?
To stop your car from sliding on icy roads, avoid slamming on the brakes. Use gentle, steady pressure on the brakes if your car has ABS or pump the brakes lightly for older vehicles. Reduce your speed and steer gently to maintain control.
4. What should I do to prepare my car for winter weather?
Prepare your car for winter by installing snow tires, checking your battery, topping off antifreeze, and ensuring your wipers are in good condition. Clear all snow and ice from your vehicle and keep emergency supplies, including a scraper, flashlight, and blanket, in your car.
5. Does auto insurance cover accidents caused by snow or ice?
Yes, auto insurance typically covers accidents caused by snow or ice if you have comprehensive and collision coverage. These policies help cover damages to your vehicle from winter-related incidents, including skidding or falling tree branches.
