Winter Road Safety: Smart Tips for Getting Through a Harsh Winter

Did you know that over 70 percent of the nation’s roads are in regions that see at least five inches of snow each year? If you live in or are planning to travel to one of these areas, now’s the perfect time to brush up on winter road safety. In 2023, there were an estimated 101,390 police-reported crashes during snow or sleet conditions, including 320 fatal crashes.

In 2023, there were an estimated 101,390 police-reported crashes during snow or sleet conditions, including 320 fatal crashes.

Winter road safety isn’t just about preparing for the occasional storm; it’s about understanding how quickly conditions can change and how those changes affect your everyday driving. Snow, ice, and freezing temperatures create hazards that aren’t always obvious until it’s too late.

In this article, we’ll walk through the key risks to watch for, how to prepare your vehicle, safer habits for driving in winter conditions, and what to do if you ever become stranded.

Hazards to Look Out For

Winter roads bring a mix of conditions that can shift from manageable to risky in just a few moments. Some hazards are obvious, but many are subtle and easy to overlook until they affect your ability to brake, steer, or see clearly.

One of the biggest concerns is black ice — a thin, transparent layer that blends into the pavement and often forms overnight or early in the morning. Even careful drivers can miss it until they feel the sudden loss of traction. Visibility can also drop quickly during snowfall or fog, and cold pavement increases stopping distance even when roads appear clear.

It’s also a good time to think about the basics: whether your tires are suited for winter conditions, whether you understand how your brakes behave on slick roads, and — for those driving with children — whether winter layers are interfering with safe car seat buckling. Small considerations like these make a meaningful difference once the weather shifts.

Understanding these risks early is one of the easiest ways to prevent close calls on winter roads.

Preparing Your Vehicle for Winter Weather

A little preparation before you head out can make winter driving noticeably safer. Cold weather affects how your vehicle starts, stops, and performs, so taking a few minutes to check key systems is well worth the effort.

Winter Road Safety - man scraping snow off car

Tires

Tire performance changes as temperatures drop. Lower pressure and worn tread both reduce traction on snow and ice.

  • Check pressure using the recommended number inside your driver-side doorframe.
  • Inspect tread depth, tire age, and the condition of your spare.
  • Consider winter tires if you regularly drive in harsh conditions.

Exhaust & Carbon Monoxide Safety

Before warming up your car, take a moment to check that the exhaust pipe is completely clear. Snow and ice can block the pipe and force carbon monoxide back into the vehicle.

  • Clear away any buildup around the exhaust.
  • Warm up the car only outdoors, never inside a closed garage.
  • Let the cabin heat gradually once airflow is unobstructed.

Fuel & Battery

Cold weather demands more from both.

  • Keep your fuel tank at least half full.
  • Aim for your battery to stay around 50% charged or higher.
  • Remember that engines require extra power to start in freezing temperatures.

Vehicle Systems

A quick systems check can prevent emergencies when weather turns unpredictable.

  • Refill wiper fluid with a de-icing formula.
  • Confirm coolant levels are appropriate for winter.
  • Make sure brakes respond normally and understand how yours behave on icy roads.
  • Check headlights, taillights, and signals for proper function.
  • Lift windshield wipers before an expected snowfall to prevent freezing.

Car Seat Safety

Winter layers can interfere with proper harness fit.

  • Buckle small children in using thinner layers.
  • Make sure straps lie flat and fit snugly against the body.
  • Add coats or blankets after the harness is secured.

Plan Ahead

For longer winter trips, a little preparation goes a long way. Knowing what to expect before you leave helps you avoid surprises on unfamiliar roads.

  • Review your full route ahead of time so you’re not relying only on GPS.
  • Check the forecast and road conditions for each stretch of your drive.
  • Share your route, destination, and estimated arrival time with someone you trust.

Winter Road Safety: Tips for Behind the Wheel

1. Give Yourself More Space

Winter roads increase stopping distance, even when they look clear. Doubling your following distance gives you more time to react to skids, sudden braking, or low-visibility conditions.

2. Avoid Cruise Control

Cruise control can delay your reaction if the tires lose traction. Keeping full control of your speed helps you respond quickly to icy patches or sliding.

3. Slow Down Early

Approach intersections gradually. Slowing down earlier than usual reduces the chance of skidding, and keeping the vehicle rolling slightly until the light changes can help you avoid getting stuck on ice. If snow or fog reduces visibility, slow down even sooner and make sure your headlights are on so other drivers can see you.

4. Use the Right Braking Method

  • ABS brakes: Apply firm, steady pressure and let the system work.
  • Non-ABS brakes: Pump gently to avoid locking the wheels.

Understanding how your brakes behave in cold, slick conditions helps you stay in control when traction is limited.

Above all, stay focused. Winter conditions reduce your margin for error, and alert driving is one of the strongest safety tools you have.

In Case of Emergency

Even with preparation, winter weather can still catch you off guard. Having a small emergency kit in your car can make an unexpected delay far more manageable.

Emergency Kit Essentials

Pack items that can keep you warm, visible, and able to call for help if conditions worsen:

  • Cell phone charger
  • Flashlight with extra batteries
  • Reflective markers or cones
  • First aid kit
  • Water, snacks, and necessary medications
  • Traction aids (sand, salt, cat litter, or floor mats)
  • Ice scraper and snow brush
  • Small shovel
  • Warm layers: hats, gloves, blankets, coats
  • Jumper cables or a portable jump pack
  • Winter-grade windshield solvent
Winter Road Safety - person pulling first aid kit out of glove box

If you ever become stranded, the safest place is usually inside your vehicle. It provides shelter, and low visibility means other drivers may not see you if you venture out. Make your car as visible as possible by keeping the interior light on at night and placing reflectors outside if you have them.

Use your heater sparingly to conserve fuel and always ensure the exhaust pipe stays clear of snow. If you need to dig the vehicle out or clear snow, take breaks — cold weather increases strain on the body, and overexertion can become dangerous quickly.

Committing to Safety

Winter road safety isn’t about expecting the worst — it’s about giving yourself a little extra time, attention, and preparation when conditions change. With the right habits and a few simple precautions, you can make every winter trip safer for yourself and everyone who shares the road.

Before your next drive, take a moment to review your route, check the weather, and make sure your vehicle is ready. A little preparation now can make all the difference later.



from Cardinal Compliance Consultants https://cardinalhs.net/blog/winter-road-safety-driving-tips/
via Cardinal Compliance Consultants

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