Winter Driving

Winter weather can be challenging. Drivers in the winter are often facing snowy and icy conditions that create slippery roads and reduced visibility. Stay safe by being prepared, alert and cautious.  

If road conditions are dangerous, consider making alternate travel arrangements or postponing your drive until road conditions improve.

Clear Off Your Vehicle

Before driving, be sure to clear the entire windshield and all of the windows of your vehicle. Wipe off the headlights, tail lights, and turn signals to increase visibility and help others see you. 

Additionally, it is important to clear off any excess snow/ice on the roof of your vehicle to prevent it from blowing off onto another vehicle.

Turn on your lights

Driving with your lights on will increase your visibility to other motorists.

Accelerate with caution

To maintain control of your vehicle in slippery conditions, be sure to accelerate slow and easy to avoid spinning your wheels. 

Stop safely

In slippery winter conditions it can take three to 12 times the distance to stop. To stay safe, be sure to ease on the brakes. Give yourself more time to brake and increase the space between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you to maintain control.

Slow Down

Driving too fast in poor conditions is the main cause of winter collisions. Slow down early when you approach a slippery intersection, curve, or hill.  Brake slowly to reduce speed before entering turns. Adjust to the existing road, weather, and traffic conditions.

Plan lane changes well in advance, and give yourself enough time to make maneuvers safely and other vehicles enough time to provide a clear path. 

Learn to control skids

If your vehicle begins to skid, be sure to turn into the skid and accelerate. By doing this, you will transfer your vehicle's weight from the front to the rear which often helps the vehicle regain control.

Don't pump the brakes

If your vehicle is equipped with an anti-lock braking system (ABS), do not pump the brakes. Apply constant pressure to come to a safe stop.

Do not use cruise control

Do not use cruise control if conditions are snowy, icy, or wet, because if your car hydroplanes, your car will attempt to accelerate and you may lose control. 

Do not tailgate

Tailgating is never a good idea however it becomes much more dangerous in winter weather as stopping on icy roads takes much longer than it does on dry pavement. Increase the distance between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you.

Vehicle Maintenance

Making sure that your vehicle is properly maintained will help you to arrive safely at your destination. If possible, switch to snow tires during winter months and ensure that you are using winter windshield washer fluid. Keep a snow brush/scraper in your car, along with possible emergency items such as a lightweight shovel, battery jumper cables, and a flashlight.