Safety Tips for Driving in the Snow

Winter storms often mean heavy snow, strong winds and record-low temperatures. The resulting road conditions can cause car accidents, injuries and fatalities. In fact, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) estimates that 24% of weather-related crashes each year occur on snowy or icy pavement. [1] If you must be on the road during severe winter weather, consider these tips for driving in the snow.

1. Maintain a safe following distance

Ensure there are 3 seconds between your car and the vehicle in front of you to give yourself enough time to stop safely and avoid a collision. In slick or icy conditions, double the 3-second rule to 6 seconds.

2. Clear snow

If you can’t see out all vehicle windows, you can’t drive safely. Remove snow and ice from all windows and side mirrors.

3. Install snow tires

Compared to all-weather tires, snow or winter tires have treads designed to maintain a better grip on icy and snowy surfaces. Experts recommend installing winter tires on all 4 wheels. [2]

4. Maintain a safe following distance

Ensure you follow about 6 seconds behind the vehicle in front of you to give yourself enough time to stop safely and avoid a collision. [3]

5. Learn how to control a skid

If you find yourself in a skid, take your foot off the accelerator and steer in the direction of the skid until you regain control. Then, you can straighten the wheel and gently steer in the direction you’d like to go. [4][5]

6. Avoid using cruise control

You need to be alert and in control at all times, so save cruise control for normal road conditions. In general, avoid using cruise control any time the road surface is less than ideal. [4]

7. Reduce your speed and brake carefully

Slow down. It can take much longer to stop in snowy or icy conditions. When you need to brake, ease your foot gently but firmly onto the pedal with the goal of gradually slowing down. Spiking the brakes quickly can cause you to lose control of your vehicle.

8. Use your anti-lock brakes (ABS) properly

ABS can be effective, but the feeling under your foot and the odd sound they can make can be jarring. Don’t let this startle you; just maintain firm, constant pressure. Avoid taking your foot off the brake. [3a]

9. Avoid certain roads

If possible, stay off the roads until they’ve been plowed and de-iced. On roads that have yet to be cleared, slow down, turn off your cruise control, and avoid sudden braking or accelerating and unnecessary stops. It’s critical to know the snow emergency levels in your area; depending on the severity of the emergency level, law enforcement may ticket you for being on the road.

10. Be mindful of snowplows

During severe winter weather, help ensure everyone’s safety by giving snowplows plenty of room to work. If you’re driving near a plow, leave as much distance as possible, and keep in mind that the snow coming off the plow could hit your windshield and obstruct your view of the road. Also, keep in mind that the plow driver’s visibility could be limited by snow and the plow itself. [4]

11. Pay attention to black ice

The term “black ice” refers to roads that appear to be wet but are actually covered in ice. Black ice can form when temperatures warm up enough for ice and snow to thaw but drop again and allow it to refreeze. To help know whether black ice could be a risk, keep an eye on your car’s outside temperature gauge when conditions are close to freezing. [4] If you encounter a section of pavement that seems to be wet even though areas around it are dry, it could be black ice; slow down and proceed with caution or avoid those areas if possible. [6]

In snow, what’s the best gear to drive in?

When you’re on snow or ice, keep your speed down, and consider driving in lower gear, where and when appropriate, which will give you more power and traction while limiting your speed. [7]

Get auto insurance for additional protection

Driving in snow can increase the chances of an accident, so prepare yourself by remembering these safety tips when you get on the road.

For added peace of mind, find out how to winterize your car in preparation for the cold season. Learn more about protecting your car in all seasons with auto insurance.

Sources:

[1] “Snow and Ice,” U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration, ops.fhwa.dot.gov/weather/weather_events/snow_ice.htm (Accessed November 2024).

[2] “Winter Driving Tips: The Dangers of Using Just Two Snow Tires,” lesschwab.com/article/driving/winter-driving-tips-the-dangers-of-using-just-two-snow-tires.html (Accessed November 2024).

[3] “Winter Driving Tips,” exchange.aaa.com/safety/driving-advice/winter-driving-tips/ (Accessed January 2025).

[3a] “ABS Brakes and Winter Driving: Understanding These Snow Saviors,” knowhow.napaonline.com/abs-brakes-and-winter-driving-understanding-these-snow-saviors/ (Accessed January 2025).

[4] “Driving in Snow: Top Tips You Need,” Renee Valdes, kbb.com/car-advice/20-tips-for-safe-winter-driving/ (Accessed November 2024).

[5] “10 Tips to Help Avoid Sliding on Ice (& What to Do If It Happens to You),” parts.nissanusa.com/go/Blog—Tips-for-Sliding-on-Ice.html (Accessed November 2024).

[6] “Winter Survival Guide for Drivers: Prepping Your Car for the Cold – Kelley Blue Book,” Chantel Wakefield,  kbb.com/car-advice/winter-driving-guide/ (Accessed November 2024).

[7] “6 Common Mistakes You Should Avoid While Driving in the Snow,” Leanne White, roadwarrior.app/blog/driving-in-the-snow/ (Accessed November 2024).

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