These Safety Tips For Driving In Winter Might Surprise You

You might think that driving in winter is the same as driving any other time of year. The same rules apply, right? Well, that’s part of the problem. Driving in winter can be tricky. The conditions are often dark, wet, and snowy. It can also be very dangerous. That’s because it’s usually the slowest season for road and travel conditions. The reduction in visibility, the reduced visibility due to ice, and the presence of snow all combine to make it the season with the most dangerous driving conditions. According to the Federal Highway Administration, nearly 1,300 people are killed and more than 116,800 people are injured in vehicle crashes on snowy, slushy, or icy pavement each year. So, how can you stay safe while driving in winter? Read on to find out.

Don’t Drive If You’re Tired

It’s understandable if you want to drive when you’re tired. After all, our brains need time to process information and make decisions. When we’re under a lot of pressure, like when we’re driving, we make mistakes. When we’re tired, we’re more likely to make mistakes. The National Safety Council warns that being awake for 18 hours straight produces impairment equal to a blood alcohol concentration of 0.05%, and being awake for 24 hours equals a BAC of 0.10% — above the legal limit in all U.S. states. Make sure you give your body time to rest before you drive. You’re more likely to have an accident when you’re tired. Don’t wait until you’re exhausted to drive. Get in the habit of starting your drive when you’re fresh.

Get Driver Assistance

If you regularly drive in winter, you’re probably used to having driver assistance. That’s why you might not have thought to request it. That’s okay. You should always have the option to call for driver assistance. That’s what the average driver does. Most drivers call for assistance at least once a year. If you don’t, you’re putting other people at risk. It’s better to be safe than sorry. Many modern vehicles now come equipped with advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) — features like automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and traction control — which the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has shown can significantly reduce crash rates in adverse weather. Ask your auto repair garage how they can help you out with your winter driving needs, and check whether your vehicle’s safety systems are fully calibrated before the cold season begins.

Watch Out For Other Road Conditions

As pleasant as it is to drive in the summer, it’s even more so when it’s cold out. The reduction in visibility, the reduction in visibility due to ice, and the presence of snow all combine to make it the season with the most dangerous driving conditions. That’s why it’s important to be aware of other road conditions. One particularly dangerous phenomenon is black ice — a thin, nearly invisible layer of ice that forms on road surfaces, especially on bridges and overpasses. The National Weather Service advises drivers to be especially alert for black ice when temperatures hover near the freezing mark of 32°F (0°C). If you’re driving in snowy or icy conditions, you need to be extra careful. That means checking your blind spots, looking behind you, and making sure your wheels aren’t covered in snow or ice. If they are, put extra effort into putting your car in park so you can push it back out onto the road with ease.

Get Defensive When Driving In Winter

When it comes to winter driving, you need to be as safe as possible. That’s why you should always try to be as conservative as possible when it comes to your driving habits. That means not taking risks with your safety or the safety of others. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recommends increasing your following distance to 8–10 seconds in snow and ice — compared to the standard 3–4 seconds in normal conditions. That goes for everything you do during winter too. Don’t drink and drive. Don’t ignore your horn. Don’t leave your keys in your car when you go out for a run in winter. There are plenty of other safe ways to drive in winter. That means driving slowly and conservatively. Don’t forget to drive carefully too. Don’t endanger other road users or themselves.

What To Do If You Are Towed

If you find yourself in need of assistance, don’t panic. The American Automobile Association (AAA) responds to more than 32 million roadside assistance calls each year, with a significant spike during winter months. Check out the towing guide to see if there is anything you can do to get your towing company off to a good start. If you’re able to do so, get in touch with the towing company right away. It’s important that you do so before you start experiencing problems with your towing. If not, once you’ve been towed, you may not be able to get it back. Make sure you get a written statement from the towing company detailing the towing process and the results. If you’re not able to get your towing company to write you a letter of reference, check out our article on how to get a written statement from a towing company.

Don’t Drink and Drive

If you’re going out for drinks with the family or for dinner with friends, don’t drive. Make sure you have a designated driver. If you don’t, you’re putting other people at risk. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), alcohol-impaired driving fatalities account for 28% of all traffic-related deaths in the United States. You don’t need to be a traffic expert to know that when one person drives while drinking, the entire flow of traffic is put at risk. That includes other drivers, pedestrians, and even car occupants. Maintain your sobriety when you’re out and about. If you’re really lucky, you may not even have to take this risk when you’re out with your friends. If you’re out with the family and you have to drive them to the restaurant, you can probably make it home without a problem. It’s when you go out on your own that you need to be extremely careful. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that even a blood alcohol level as low as 0.02% begins to affect a driver’s ability to track moving targets and respond in emergencies.

Use Your Headlights

Your headlights are one of the most important tools you have when it comes to safe driving in winter. That’s why you need to make sure you use them properly. If you’re not using them properly, you’re putting other people at risk. Headlights are meant to illuminate the road ahead of you, not blindside other drivers or pedestrians. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has found that more than half of all vehicles on U.S. roads have headlights rated as marginal or poor — meaning many drivers are already operating at a disadvantage in low-visibility winter conditions. If you’re driving in low light conditions and don’t have your headlights on, you’re putting yourself at a higher risk of collision. When it’s dark out, even with your headlights on, you should drive with the windshield wiper on at high speed. This will help you see ahead and avoid any problems. When it’s light out, you should also use your headlights. They’re the best tool for the job when it comes to safe driving in winter.

Winter is an inevitable part of life. Whether you’re going out for dinner with friends or heading out on a quick drive, you need to be prepared for it. You need to be aware of the conditions and be able to take appropriate action if need be. Winter driving is not as dangerous as you might have once thought — but it does demand respect and preparation. Make sure you practice safe winter driving, and you’ll be fine.

Winter Driving Risk Comparison

The table below compares key winter driving risk factors, recommended actions, and their measurable safety impact based on data from federal highway and safety organizations as of May 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most dangerous weather condition for driving?

Ice and freezing rain are the most dangerous weather conditions for driving. According to the Federal Highway Administration, icy pavement causes more than 116,800 injuries and nearly 1,300 deaths per year in the United States. These conditions reduce tire traction far more severely than snow alone, making vehicle control extremely difficult even at low speeds.

How much should you slow down when driving in snow?

You should reduce your speed by at least 30–40% below the posted speed limit in snowy or icy conditions. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recommends driving only as fast as conditions safely allow, regardless of posted limits. On packed snow, braking distance can be three times longer than on dry pavement.

Should I use my headlights during a snowstorm?

Yes — always use your low-beam headlights during a snowstorm, even in daylight. High beams can reflect off falling snow and reduce your visibility further. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) recommends low beams as the safest choice in precipitation. In many U.S. states, it is also legally required to use headlights whenever windshield wipers are in use.

Is it safe to drive when you haven’t slept enough?

No — driving while fatigued is extremely dangerous, especially in winter. The National Safety Council reports that being awake for just 18 consecutive hours impairs driving ability equivalent to a blood alcohol content of 0.05%. Missing sleep before a winter drive significantly increases your risk of causing or being involved in a serious crash.

What should I keep in my car for winter emergencies?

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recommends keeping a winter emergency kit in your car that includes a ice scraper, snow brush, jumper cables, blanket, flashlight, first aid kit, sand or kitty litter for traction, and a phone charger. You should also carry water and a small amount of non-perishable food in case you become stranded. AAA advises checking this kit at the start of every winter season to replace expired or depleted items.

Do winter tires really make a difference?

Yes — winter tires make a significant and measurable difference in stopping distance and vehicle control. Independent testing by Tire Rack found that vehicles equipped with winter tires stop up to 30–40% shorter on ice than those using all-season tires. Winter tires are made from a softer rubber compound specifically formulated to remain pliable in temperatures below 45°F, providing superior grip where all-season tires stiffen and lose traction.

What is black ice and how do I handle it?

Black ice is a thin, nearly transparent layer of ice that forms on road surfaces, making it nearly invisible and extremely hazardous. The National Weather Service notes that it most commonly forms on bridges, overpasses, and shaded roadways when temperatures fall to or below 32°F (0°C). If you hit black ice, do not brake suddenly — instead, ease off the accelerator, keep the steering wheel straight, and allow the car to slow gradually.

Does car insurance cover winter weather accidents?

Whether your car insurance covers a winter weather accident depends on your coverage type. Collision coverage typically pays for damage from sliding on ice or hitting a guardrail, while comprehensive coverage covers weather events like falling trees or flood damage. If you only carry liability insurance, you will not have coverage for your own vehicle’s damage. It is worth reviewing your policy before winter — contact your insurer or visit the Insurance Information Institute (III) for a full breakdown of standard auto policy coverage types.

How do I prepare my car for winter driving?

Start with a full vehicle inspection before winter arrives. The American Automobile Association (AAA) recommends checking your battery (cold temperatures reduce battery capacity by up to 60%), testing your brakes, switching to winter-rated tires, topping up antifreeze, and ensuring your defrost and wiper systems are working properly. AAA also suggests keeping your gas tank at least half full to prevent fuel line freezing and to ensure you have enough fuel if stranded.

What is the safest following distance in winter weather?

In winter weather, the safest following distance is 8–10 seconds behind the vehicle ahead of you. Under normal dry conditions, the standard following distance is 3–4 seconds. The NHTSA recommends this expanded gap because braking distances increase dramatically on snow and ice, and a larger buffer gives you the time and space needed to stop safely without rear-ending the vehicle in front of you.