It’s always important to be safe on the road, but with snow, sleet or ice in the equation, winter weather can cause extremely dangerous road conditions. New Mexico State University’s Emergency Planning Committee has some safety tips from the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration.
Prepare your vehicle
Before you travel, make sure your car or truck is ready before driving in winter weather. Here’s a checklist:
- Lights: Check your headlights, brake lights, turn signals, emergency flashers and interior lights. Be sure to also check your trailer brake lights and turn signals, if necessary.
- Tires: Inspect tires for damage and inflation. As the outside temperature drops, so does tire inflation pressure. Make sure each tire is filled to the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended inflation pressure. Make sure your spare tire is in good shape. Depending on the situation, you may want to consider purchasing snow tires or chains.
- Windshield wipers/fluid: Make sure defrosters and all windshield wipers work and replace any worn blades. You can go through a lot of windshield wiper fluid in a single snowstorm, so make sure your vehicle’s reservoir is full of high-quality “winter” fluid with de-icer.
- Battery: In cold weather, gasoline and diesel engines take more battery power to start, and electric and hybrid-electric vehicles’ driving range can be reduced. Have a mechanic check your battery, charging system, belts and needed repairs or replacements.
- Tune-up: You may want to visit your mechanic for a tune-up and ask them to check for leaks, badly worn hoses, or other needed parts, repairs and replacements.
Stock your vehicle
Carry items in your vehicle to handle common winter driving-related tasks and supplies you might need in an emergency, including:
- Water, food and any necessary medicines
- Cellphone and charger
- A snow shovel, broom and ice scraper
- Abrasive material (sand or kitty litter), in case your vehicle gets stuck in the snow
- Jumper cables, flashlight (extra batteries) and warning devices (flares and emergency markers)
- Blankets for protection from the cold and colorful cloth to tie to your antenna in an emergency
Safety basics
- Slow down. It’s harder to control or stop your vehicle on a slick or snow-covered surface. On the road, increase your following distance enough so that you’ll have plenty of time to stop for vehicles ahead of you.
- Don’t crowd a snowplow. Stay far enough behind it and use caution if you must pass the plow.
- If stopped or stalled, stay focused on yourself and your passengers, your car and your surroundings:
- Stay with your car and don’t overexert yourself
- Tie bright cloth to the antenna or hang outside a window and turn on the interior dome light
- Be mindful of carbon monoxide poisoning. Make sure your exhaust pipe is clear of any snow and run your car only sporadically — just long enough to stay warm. Don’t run your car for long periods of time with the windows up or in an enclosed space.
- Due to slushy winter conditions, you might consider switching out your usual floor mats for thicker material or rubbery ones.
Avoid Risky Driving Behaviors
In any weather, it’s always important to avoid risky behaviors while driving.
- Always wear your seat belt
- Do not text or drive distracted
- Obey posted speed limits and caution signage
- Always drive sober, avoid substances that can impair safe and responsible driving
Find more information on road safety from the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration.