Winter driving safety and tips

Walking in a winter wonderland may be dreamy. Driving in it? Not so much.

According to the Federal Highway Administration, 24% of weather-related vehicle crashes occur on snowy, slushy or icy pavement, leading to over 1,300 deaths and nearly 117,000 injuries each year.

But that's not the only way winter weather can affect drivers. Batteries can fail in low temperatures, or cars can slide off the road and get stuck in snowdrifts. In very poor conditions, drivers have even been stranded on the highway for hours before snowplows and emergency crews can reach them.

And given that 70% of the nation's roads are in regions that receive five or more inches of snowfall per year, you don't have to live in a blizzard-prone Midwestern state to worry about winter weather.

Fortunately, there are many things you can do to prepare for driving in the winter, such as putting together a car emergency kit and tuning up your car for cold weather. We'll share a few of the top winter driving safety tips to help you get ready for whatever winter throws your way.

Prepare your car for winter driving.

Before you hit the road, you want to ensure that your car is ready for winter weather. You can reduce risk when you keep up with key maintenance.

1. Tires: They should be your top priority. Snowy, slushy and icy pavement can make it easy for your car to lose traction and skid out of control, so it's important to make sure your tires are properly inflated and have sufficient tread. The NHTSA recommends that tires should have a minimum tread depth of 2/32 of an inch.^{See note1}
   Tip: Use a penny to check tread depth. Hold it in the tread of your tire with Lincoln's head upside down and facing you. If you can't see the top of his head, it's time to replace your tires.
2. Wiper blades: Visibility can get dicey when there's snow or sleet, so ensure your wiper blades clear your windshield without leaving streaks or missing spots. If you park outside overnight or during a storm, it may help to leave your wipers in an upright position to prevent them from freezing to your windshield.
3. Fluids: Check the levels of your engine oil, antifreeze, power steering fluid, brake fluid and transmission fluid at the start of the season. You'll also want to check your windshield wiper fluid regularly, especially if you have frequent storms.
4. Fuel: During the winter, it's smart to keep your fuel tank at least halfway full. Not only will this help prevent your gas line from freezing, but it will help you stay warm longer if you become stranded during a storm.

Create a car emergency kit.

Keeping these essential items in your vehicle during the winter season (or even year-round) is a great way to be prepared.

• Ice scraper and snow brush or broom
• Tire chains
• Jumper cables
• Flashlight and backup batteries
• Warm blankets
• Warm clothing like hats, mittens, socks and snow boots
• Hand warmers
• Bottled water
• Non-perishable snacks such as protein bars, nuts and dried fruit
• Basic first-aid kit
• Cell phone charger
• Collapsible snow shovel
• Sand or cat litter for traction
• Reflective triangle, bright-colored cloth and road flares
• Tow strap
• Extra windshield wiper fluid
• Fire extinguisher
• Paper maps for trips to unfamiliar areas
• A storage bin or duffle bag to keep everything together

Be sure to check and replenish your supplies throughout the season.

Prepare yourself before you head out.

Whether you're driving across town or across the country, it's smart to do a little prep before you jump in the car to help make your trip as safe as possible.

Roadside assistance:

Keep the phone number for roadside assistance handy. Check with your auto insurance provider about options for roadside assistance coverage. You may also be able to get coverage through a membership organization, your car's manufacturer, your credit card or even your cell phone provider.

Ready your mobile device:

Make sure you can contact emergency services, and access maps or other helpful resources. It's important to prepare your mobile device for tough weather conditions.

Plan your route.

No matter where you're headed, odds are there are a few ways to get from point A to point B. While you might prefer the scenic route or special short cuts during nice weather, you may need to make some changes when driving in the winter.

Here are a few things to consider as you plan your route.

• In snowy conditions, staying safe usually means driving slower — a lot slower. Plan extra time into your drive so that you're not tempted to take risks.
• Usually, you'll be better off sticking to major roads. They're more likely to be plowed, which means you'll probably have an easier time driving than if you take side streets. But be aware that other drivers are likely thinking the same thing, so there may be more traffic.
• Check roads that may be likely to close, such as high mountain passes. If you're driving in a less-familiar region, try to talk with a local about common road closures.
• If you're headed on a long trip, plan for shorter driving days. Even if you're a seasoned road tripper, driving in the winter means fewer hours of daylight and weather-related delays.
• Plan to stop frequently. In addition to filling up on gas (to keep the tank above half full), you'll also want to completely clear your windows, mirrors, lights, and sensors. If snow has accumulated on the hood of your vehicle, brush that off too as it could blow over your windshield and make it difficult to see.
• If you suspect you may need to stop for the night en route, make hotel reservations at potential stopping points in advance. Hotels can fill up quickly if the road becomes impassable.
• Continue to check your route as you go. Watch out for traffic updates, road closures, etc. In some parts of the U.S. and Canada, you can also call 511 to get information about current road conditions.
• Keep your plans flexible. In some cases, it may be wise to start your drive early to get ahead of an impending storm, or to postpone your trip until roads can be cleared.
• Share your intended route and ETA with a close friend or family member before leaving in case of emergency.

Check current conditions and forecasts.

First off, it's not just about the weather that's happening while you're driving, but what's happened in the area in the 24 to 48 hours prior. Just because the skies are clear doesn't mean the roads will be. There may still be road closures, snow and ice to worry about.

If the forecast calls for wind, you may be thinking, “Great! No snow!” But don't be so sure. High winds and blowing snow can create whiteout conditions that are as treacherous as a full-on blizzard.

Black ice is another condition to watch out for. What makes black ice so dangerous is that it's difficult to detect. It typically forms when snow or ice melts on the road and then refreezes, creating slick spots that are essentially invisible.

If you're planning a longer drive, keep an eye on the radar. Conditions can change rapidly, so if you know there's a storm in your region, take the time to check the radar regularly while you're en route.

What to do in an emergency

If your vehicle stops or stalls, the best thing to do is stay put. For example, let's say you slide off the road or don't have sufficient traction to make it back to the pavement. Your car is your best protection from the elements and will make it easier if rescuers need to find you.

Your next priority is to make your car visible. Use a reflective triangle or tie a bright-colored cloth to your antenna. If you're stranded after dark, you may want to keep the interior dome light on. Flares are always a good emergency option, too.

You may be tempted to keep your car running if you're stranded, but experts recommend that you only run it for about 10-15 minutes every hour. That — along with items in your car emergency kit — should be enough to stay warm and help you conserve fuel.

Carbon monoxide poisoning can be a concern when your vehicle is stopped, so you should check regularly to make sure your exhaust pipe is clear of snow. It's also a good idea to crack a window for ventilation.