7 Winter Driving Tips

TSS Customer ServiceFebruary 25, 2025March 4, 2025Safe Driving Resource and Tips

7 Tips to Drive Safely on Icy Roads This Winter

As winter tightens its grip on large swaths of the U.S., roads and highways often become slick with snow and ice, turning everyday commutes into potential high-risk journeys. Although most drivers manage to avoid major accidents, the Federal Highway Administration reports that over 136,000 people are injured annually in accidents involving snow, sleet, or ice.

Infographic on winter driving safety tips — Image Source: icyroadsafety.com

The good news is that there are reliable ways to boost your safety when driving on icy roads. The following seven tips cover everything from preparation and route planning to behind-the-wheel tactics that reduce the likelihood of a spinout. With the right knowledge and a few adjustments to your routine, you can face winter driving with greater confidence.

1. Keep an Eye on Temperature Fluctuations

Stay updated on local weather forecasts, especially when temperatures approach 32°F. Rapid temperature swings—such as a brief thaw followed by a sudden freeze—are prime conditions for ice to form overnight or even within hours. Weather apps and alert systems can help you anticipate slippery conditions so you can plan your drive accordingly. Equipping your vehicle with an emergency kit is essential. Consider storing items like:

Non-perishable snacks and bottled water
Warm blankets and extra clothing
A flashlight with extra batteries
Orion Road Flares
High-visibility workwear
Reflective warning triangles

These items can be lifesavers if you break down or have to pull over for an extended period.

2. Understand Where and When Ice Forms

Ice dramatically reduces tire traction, often catching drivers off-guard because it’s difficult to see until it’s too late. Keep a safe following distance—at least double the usual space you’d maintain in dry conditions. Areas most prone to icing include:

Low-lying spots that collect water
Curves in the road where water can pool
Construction zones with uneven terrain or water runoff

Even if the air temperature creeps above 32°F, the road surface may still be below freezing, allowing residual water to quickly turn into ice. Stay vigilant whenever you see a sheen on the road, and assume it could be slippery.

3. Watch Out for Black Ice

Perhaps the most notorious winter driving hazard is black ice—thin, transparent layers of ice that blend seamlessly into the pavement. It can form when melting snow refreezes faster than road salts can melt it, or when freezing rain coats the pavement. When black ice is possible, reduce your speed significantly. Look for subtle cues: a seemingly wet patch that doesn’t reflect much light could be black ice. If you suspect you’ve encountered black ice, avoid sudden braking or steering changes; instead, ease off the gas and steer gently to maintain control.

4. Choose Your Route Carefully

Some roads are inherently riskier than others during winter. Steer clear of those that are rarely maintained or become especially hazardous after precipitation. Consider the following when mapping your drive:

Check maintenance schedules: Know which roads are plowed or salted first in your area.
Avoid unpaved backroads: These can quickly turn into sheets of ice when not treated.
Bridges and overpasses: They freeze faster because cold air circulates above and below the roadway.

In extreme weather, leaving earlier or adjusting your route can make all the difference, even if it adds a few minutes to your trip.

5. Master Essential Winter-Driving Tactics

Adopting safer driving habits for winter is the best way to avoid accidents. Follow these proven techniques:

Increase your following distance: Ice extends stopping distances significantly.
Accelerate and brake gently: Sudden, forceful actions can cause a skid. Ease into stops and starts.
Maintain momentum: Minimizing unnecessary stops can help you avoid traction issues when you start moving again.
Understand your car’s braking system: If you have ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), apply steady pressure. If not, pump the brakes gently to avoid lockup.

6. Prepare Your Vehicle for Winter Conditions

A well-maintained vehicle is critical for safe winter driving. Along with the emergency kit, pay attention to these often-overlooked details:

Tire Choice: Winter or all-season tires offer better grip, with deeper treads designed to channel away snow and slush.
Tire Pressure: Cold weather causes tire pressure to drop; check it regularly to maintain proper handling.
Wiper Blades and Fluid: Keep them in good shape, and use winter-grade washer fluid to prevent freezing.
Fluids and Battery: Coolant, oil, and battery condition can all affect performance. Low temperatures can reduce battery power by up to 50%.
Clear Windows and Lights: Remove snow and ice from all windows, mirrors, and headlights for maximum visibility.

Pro Tip: Carry a bag of sand, cat litter, or traction mats in your trunk. If you get stuck on ice, placing these under your drive wheels can help you regain traction.

7. Practice Skid Recovery Skills

Even the most careful drivers can skid on ice. Prepare yourself by learning to recover quickly:

Stay Calm: Panic leads to overcorrection. Keep a steady grip on the wheel.
Steer in the Direction of the Skid: Turn your steering wheel slightly in the same direction your rear end is moving to realign your vehicle.
Ease Off the Gas: Sudden acceleration or braking can worsen the skid. Instead, gently remove your foot from the accelerator.
Apply Light Braking (if needed): In vehicles without ABS, pump the brake gently instead of slamming it.

Consider practicing these techniques in an empty, snow-covered parking lot under controlled conditions, so you know how your vehicle reacts on icy surfaces.

Arrive Safely This Winter

Driving on icy roads is a reality for many people during the colder months, but it doesn’t have to be dangerous if you approach it with the right knowledge and preparation. By monitoring temperatures, understanding ice formation, choosing well-maintained routes, and fine-tuning your driving techniques, you can mitigate risks and help ensure a safe arrival. Remember, a few extra precautions—like winterizing your car, stocking an car emergency kit, and practicing skid recovery—can make a world of difference. New Drivers should take extra care, winter driving takes practive. Stay vigilant, stay calm, and let these tips guide you toward a safer winter driving season.

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