Winter Driving Safety Guide

The Reality of Winter Driving Dangers

According to the Federal Highway Administration, nearly 70% of the U.S. population lives in snowy regions, and snow and ice contribute to approximately 24% of weather-related crashes. But the danger extends beyond accidents—each year, motorists die from exposure after becoming stranded in their vehicles during winter storms.

The good news: most winter driving incidents are preventable with proper preparation, technique, and the right supplies in your vehicle.

Before You Drive: Vehicle Preparation

Essential Winter Vehicle Maintenance

Before winter arrives, ensure your vehicle is ready:

Tires

• Tread depth: Minimum 4/32" for winter conditions (2/32" is legal minimum but inadequate for snow)
• Winter tires: Significantly better than all-seasons in snow and ice. The rubber compound stays flexible in cold.
• Tire pressure: Check monthly—pressure drops ~1 PSI for every 10°F temperature drop
• Chains: Carry if required or frequently driving in mountains. Know how to install them.

Battery

• Age: Batteries weaken after 3-5 years. Cold weather can kill a weak battery.
• Testing: Have battery tested before winter—most auto parts stores do this free
• Connections: Clean terminals and ensure tight connections

Fluids

• Antifreeze: Should test to -34°F or lower. Have ratio checked.
• Windshield washer fluid: Use winter formula rated to -20°F or colder
• Oil: Consider thinner viscosity for cold starts (check owner's manual)
• Fuel: Keep tank at least half full to prevent fuel line freeze and add weight

Visibility

• Wipers: Replace if streaking. Consider winter wiper blades.
• Lights: Check all lights work. Clean lenses. Replace dim bulbs.
• Defrost: Ensure front and rear defrost work properly

Building Your Winter Car Kit

A comprehensive winter car kit could save your life if you're stranded. Store these items in your vehicle from October through April:

Traction & Recovery

• Ice scraper and snow brush (extendable handle)
• Small folding shovel
• Bag of sand, cat litter, or traction mats
• Tire chains (if applicable to your region)

Survival & Warmth

• Heavy blankets or sleeping bag
• Extra winter clothing (hat, gloves, boots, jacket)
• Hand and foot warmers (chemical activated)
• Emergency mylar blankets

Supplies

• Water (keep from freezing with insulated container)
• Non-perishable, high-calorie food (granola bars, nuts, chocolate)
• Flashlight with extra batteries
• First aid kit
• Phone charger (car and portable battery)

Signaling & Safety

• Jumper cables or portable jump starter
• Road flares or LED warning lights
• Reflective triangles
• Bright cloth or flag (to tie to antenna)

Safe Winter Driving Techniques

Speed and Distance

The single most important factor in winter driving safety is speed. In winter conditions:

• Reduce speed by 1/3 on wet roads
• Reduce speed by 1/2 on snow-packed roads
• Reduce speed to 10-20 mph on ice or in poor visibility
• Increase following distance to 8-10 seconds (vs. normal 3-4 seconds)

Remember: speed limits are set for ideal conditions. In winter weather, the legal limit may be dangerously fast.

Acceleration and Braking

Accelerating:

• Apply gas gently to avoid wheel spin
• Start slowly from stops—don't try to keep up with traffic if roads are slick
• Use lower gear for more control on hills (many automatics have "2" or "L")

Braking:

• Apply brakes gently and early
• If you have ABS: press firmly and steer—don't pump
• If no ABS: pump brakes gently to prevent lockup
• Start slowing well before intersections and curves
• Downshift to use engine braking on long descents

Handling Skids

Skids happen when tires lose grip. The key is smooth, gentle corrections:

Rear-wheel Skid (Fishtail)

1. Take your foot off the gas
2. Don't brake
3. Steer in the direction you want the front of the car to go (same direction as the skid)
4. As the car straightens, gradually straighten the wheel
5. Be ready for secondary skid in opposite direction

Front-wheel Skid (Understeer)

1. Take your foot off the gas
2. Don't brake
3. Wait for the front tires to grip again
4. Then steer in the direction you want to go
5. Straighten wheel as traction returns

Black Ice

Black ice is thin, transparent ice that looks like wet pavement. It's most common:

• On bridges and overpasses (freeze first, no ground heat)
• In shaded areas
• At intersections (brake fluid and exhaust moisture)
• Early morning after overnight freeze
• When temperatures are near freezing (30-34°F)

If you hit black ice:

• Don't brake or accelerate
• Keep the steering wheel straight
• Let the car pass over the ice
• If you must steer, make very gentle adjustments

Hills in Winter

Going Uphill

• Build speed gradually before the hill (on flat ground)
• Don't accelerate on the hill—maintain steady speed
• Don't stop on the hill if possible
• If you lose traction, ease off the gas slightly

Going Downhill

• Reduce speed before the descent
• Use lower gear for engine braking
• Don't ride the brakes—they can overheat and fade
• If you start to slide, gently release brakes to regain steering

What to Do If You Get Stuck

Immediate Steps

1. Don't panic. Spinning wheels makes it worse.
2. Turn wheels straight and try gentle acceleration.
3. Clear snow from around tires, especially in front of drive wheels.
4. Clear exhaust pipe to prevent carbon monoxide buildup.
5. Apply traction material (sand, cat litter, floor mats) in front of drive wheels.
6. Rock the vehicle gently between forward and reverse.
7. Let out some air from tires (increases contact patch)—reinflate ASAP after unstuck.

Rocking Technique

If your vehicle has good clearance and isn't deeply stuck:

1. Turn off traction control if your vehicle has a button for it
2. Shift to lowest forward gear
3. Accelerate gently—move forward as far as possible
4. When momentum stops, shift to reverse immediately
5. Back up as far as possible
6. Repeat, building momentum with each rock
7. Try to "escape" when you have enough momentum

Survival If Stranded

If you can't get unstuck and help isn't immediately available, switching to survival mode could save your life—especially in blizzard conditions or extreme cold.

Stay With Your Vehicle

Your car is a shelter. It's visible to rescuers, provides protection from wind, and has supplies. People who leave their vehicles in winter storms often don't survive.

Only leave your vehicle if:

• You can see a building within 100 yards
• The storm has passed and roads are visible
• Help hasn't come and conditions allow safe travel

Conserving Heat

• Run engine sparingly: 10-15 minutes per hour to conserve fuel
• Open window slightly: Prevents carbon monoxide buildup while engine runs
• Clear exhaust pipe: Check every hour—snow can block it
• Use blankets: Layer up, cover head (40% of heat loss is from head)
• Stay moving: Exercise periodically to maintain circulation
• Huddle together: If multiple people, share body heat

Signaling for Help

• Turn on dome light at night (uses little battery)
• Tie bright cloth to antenna or mirror
• Set out road flares or LED signals if visibility allows
• Use horn to signal if you hear potential rescuers
• Write "HELP" in the snow away from the vehicle

Carbon Monoxide Warning

Running your engine for heat can be deadly if the exhaust pipe is blocked by snow. Carbon monoxide is colorless and odorless.

• Clear snow from around the exhaust pipe before running engine
• Crack a downwind window when engine is running
• Don't run engine continuously—cycle 15 minutes on, 45 minutes off
• If you feel drowsy, dizzy, or have headache, turn off engine immediately

Special Winter Driving Situations

Highway Driving

• Stay in the cleared lanes—don't pass unless necessary
• Be especially careful passing snowplows (spray reduces visibility)
• Watch for slush buildup that can pull your vehicle
• Keep headlights on (even in day) for visibility
• If conditions deteriorate, take the next exit

Mountain Driving

• Check road conditions before departure
• Carry chains and know how to install them
• Know chain requirement areas on your route
• Use lower gears for ascent and descent
• Start descent in gear you can maintain without brakes

Urban Winter Driving

• Watch for ice at intersections (brake fluid, exhaust)
• Beware of pedestrians on snowy sidewalks walking in streets
• Give extra room at bus stops (ice from stopping buses)
• Clear snow from roof—it can slide onto windshield or other cars

When NOT to Drive

Sometimes the safest decision is to stay home. Don't drive when:

• Blizzard warnings are in effect
• Visibility is less than 500 feet
• Roads are untreated and ice-covered
• You're unfamiliar with winter driving
• Your vehicle isn't equipped for conditions
• Authorities advise against travel
• You're fatigued or impaired in any way

If you must travel in questionable conditions:

• Tell someone your route and expected arrival time
• Check weather and road conditions before leaving
• Keep phone charged
• Take main roads (more likely to be treated)
• Be prepared to turn back if conditions worsen