Winter Driving Safety Tips

Winter is the perfect time to build crackling fires, hit the slopes, and snuggle up with a nice cup of cocoa. It also creates some of the most treacherous road conditions. Because it’s not possible for most of us to hibernate until spring, here are the winter driving tips you need to stay safe and sane on wet, icy, and snowy roads.

The best way to stay safe during winter driving conditions is to avoid them altogether. If it’s possible for you to avoid driving in the snow and ice, stay put. But hunkering down isn’t always an option. If you have to hit the road when it’s snowy, icy, or wet, make sure both you and your car are prepared for safe winter driving.

Whether you’re prepping for a road trip or your daily commute, get ahead of your car maintenance tasks to stay safe.

Start with simple checkpoints like oil and antifreeze levels. And make it a habit to top off your gas every time you reach halfway. This way you won’t get caught near empty when bad weather causes delays.

Check the tread on your tires. Worn tires are more likely to slip and slide in slushy and icy winter conditions. Invest in all-season tires or winter tires for maximum traction. The softer rubber on winter tires allows them to maintain a better grip in slippery situations.

Also check your tire pressure regularly, as tire pressure drops by 1 to 2 lbs. for every 10°F that the temperature declines. Inflate your tires to the recommended level for your vehicle.

Request a brake check every time you get an oil change. If you hear a squeak when you hit the brake pedal, take your car in as soon as possible.

Your brakes need more than maintenance upkeep—using them correctly on the road is crucial to retaining control on wet, icy, or snowy roads. Practice slow, steady braking that allows you plenty of time to come to a stop before a light or stop sign.

If you hit a slippery patch of road, the best way to slow down is to ease off the accelerator and downshift before applying the brakes. When you do step on the brakes, slowly apply firm, steady pressure to keep your wheels from locking up.

If you feel the brake pedal drop and hear grinding as the pedal pumps on its own, your anti-lock brakes (ABS) are likely kicking in. Keep your foot firmly on the pedal and focus on steering.

Make sure your windshield wipers are in proper working order for clearing rain, snow, and ice. Check fluids and top them off if needed. But remember that windshield wipers can’t do all the work for you.

It’s tempting to do the minimum when clearing off your car before winter driving. However, lingering snow and ice pose a hazard to you and other drivers. Before driving, brush snow off the roof, hood, windows, mirrors, and trunk of your vehicle.

On the flip side, watch for snow spray from other vehicles. If the roads are wet, there will be some amount of spray from all vehicles; however, if it’s starting to ice, you’ll no longer see spray.

When combating winter weather, preemptive vehicle maintenance will get you only so far. Practice defensive driving to stay alert and engaged with your surroundings.

Take things nice and easy when you’re driving on winter roads. Quick, jerky movements are more likely to cause you to slip, slide, and lose control of your vehicle. Don’t be tempted to step on it because someone in a truck speeds by.

Accelerate slowly to make sure you gain traction. Also go slowly when you change lanes, turn, and pull out when driving in the snow or ice.

Notice the speed of other drivers on the road. Going too slowly can cause as much risk as driving too fast. For safe winter driving, find a speed at which you feel comfortable, have control, and stay in the main flow of traffic.

Tires make different sounds when driving on snow and ice, which is another reason to keep your radio volume down for winter driving safety. Snowy road noise should be relatively loud because snow is kicked up.

If loud noise suddenly stops, you might have moved from snow to ice. Stay tuned in to the sound of your tires on the road to keep on top of road conditions that often change quickly, especially during or right after a storm.

Pay attention to the features of the road during winter driving. Areas like bridges, ramps, and overpasses tend to freeze first and stay frozen longer than other stretches of road.

Slow down as you approach these areas—as they are prime spots for black ice—and pay extra attention to the sound and feel of the road.

Although this is a good safe driving tip for all driving conditions, it’s particularly important when you’re facing wet, snowy, or icy roads. Keep your phone turned off or connected to your car’s Bluetooth—and never take your hands off the wheel or eyes off the road to check it.

Turn down the radio or turn it off completely. Make sure you’re fully focused on the road and other drivers.

Whether you’re road-tripping for the holidays or commuting around town, remember to keep on top of vehicle maintenance, practice defensive driving, and avoid driving if the conditions are too extreme. Want some more insight? Check out our list for the best and worst states for driving in bad weather.

• Do You Have the Right Tires for Winter Weather? Maybe Not.
• Winter Home Safety Guide
• Car Safety FAQs
• 5 Tips to Make You Safer on the Road

1. Driving Tests, “How to Drive Safely in Snow and Ice.” Accessed October 25, 2023.