Public Safety - Winter Driving

Snow, sleet, and ice can turn even familiar roads into hazardous terrain. In 2023 alone, there were 320 fatal crashes and more than 22,000 injury crashes nationwide during snow or sleet conditions. Preparing yourself, and your vehicle, before winter storms hit is one of the best ways to stay safe.

Preventing Winter Breakdowns

Along with your regular annual maintenance, take time to winterize your vehicle:

• Test your battery; cold temperatures reduce battery strength.

• Ensure your cooling system is functioning properly.

• Consider installing winter tires with deeper, more flexible tread.

• If using all-season tires, check the tread; replace if it’s less than 2/32".

• Check tire pressure regularly; it drops as temperatures fall.

• Inspect and replace worn wiper blades.

• Use washer fluid rated to at least –30°F.

• Keep your gas tank at least half full to help prevent fuel-line freeze.

How to Avoid a Winter Crash

• Avoid cruise control on snow, ice, or slush.

• If you skid, steer in the direction you want to go. This helps prevent overcorrecting.

• Accelerate and brake slowly to maintain control.

• Increase your following distance to 8–10 seconds.

• If you can, avoid stopping while driving uphill to maintain momentum.

• Know your vehicle’s capabilities, whether it has all-wheel drive or four-wheel drive, anti-lock brakes or traction control, so you will understand how it will respond in winter conditions.

  
  

Cold-Weather Driving Tips

• Keep a bundle of cold-weather gear in your vehicle: warm clothing, blankets, food, water, flashlight, ice scraper, medications, etc.

• Make sure your tires are properly inflated and have adequate tread.

• Keep at least half a tank of fuel at all times.

• Never warm up your vehicle inside a closed garage.

• Avoid cruise control on any slippery surface.

Build a Winter Emergency Kit

A well-stocked kit can make all the difference if you become stranded. Include:

• Cell phone charger

• Flashlight and extra batteries

• Reflective triangles or warning devices

• First-aid kit

• Non-perishable food and water (for both people and pets)

• Traction aids (sand, salt, cat litter, or traction mats)

• Ice scraper, snow brush, and small shovel

• Warm clothing: gloves, hats, coats, and blankets.

Credit: nhtsa.gov, aaa.com, nsc.org