- Lack of Visibility
Heavy snowfall, blowing snow, and fog can quickly drop visibility to just a few feet,
making it nearly impossible to see other vehicles, road signs, or pedestrians. Even
worse, high-quality wipers often struggle to keep up during a blizzard.
- For example, snow piles can easily obscure lane markers and roadside
obstacles, such as mailboxes, guardrails, and parked cars.
- As a result, when visibility dips, your ability to spot and respond to hazards
significantly decreases.
- Slippery Roads & Black Ice
Black ice is an almost-invisible coating of ice on pavement. It typically forms overnight
or on bridges and overpasses, where temperature drops fastest.
- Skidding risk: At 50 mph, braking on black ice can cause your vehicle to skid out of
control.
- Common collisions: Rear-end crashes, intersection T-bones, run-off-road accidents,
and spin-outs on ramps.
- Poorly Maintained Vehicles
Your car’s condition can turn a minor slip into a major crash.
- Worn tires lose grip on snow-packed roads.
- Faulty brakes extend stopping distances by 50–100% on ice.
- Inoperative wipers and defrosters worsen white-out conditions.
- Snowdrifts & Road Obstructions
Wind-blown drifts can accumulate suddenly, blocking lanes or causing vehicles to lose their balance. Fallen branches, downed power lines, and unplowed roads pose additional dangers, especially on backcountry roads.
- Cold-Weather Vehicle Failures
Extreme cold can drain batteries, thicken engine oil, and freeze brake lines, causing
unexpected breakdowns that put you at risk in remote or poorly lit areas.
Pre-Trip Preparation
- Winter Tire Installation: Switch to snow-rated tires when temperatures
consistently drop below 40°F.
- Full vehicle inspection: Check tread depth, battery health, brakes, lights,
wipers, and fluid levels.
- Emergency kit: Pack blankets, a flashlight, a shovel, an ice scraper, jumper
cables, flares, nonperishable snacks, and bottled water.
On-the-Road Tactics
- Reduce speed: Drive at 50–75% of posted limits to match road traction.
- Increase following distance: Leave at least 8–10 seconds of space between
your car and the car ahead.
- Gentle braking and steering: Avoid sudden inputs—pump brakes if you don’t
have ABS.
- Use low beams in snow or fog: High beams reflect off precipitation, which can
impair visibility.
- Avoid cruise control: You need full control of acceleration and braking.
Responding to a Skid
- Stay calm: Panic braking or sudden steering changes often worsen the skid.
- Steer into the skid: If the rear slides right, steer right, then gently counter-steer
once traction returns.