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- Winter roads reduce traction and visibility, making slower speeds, wider gaps and smooth braking essential for safe driving.
- Cold weather affects vehicle performance, so checking tires, battery health and fluid levels helps prevent winter breakdowns.
- All-weather or winter tires improve control, especially in areas with frequent snow, slush or icy morning commutes.
- Emergency kits are a winter essential, giving drivers tools and supplies to stay safe if stranded in severe weather.
- Planning routes around storms reduces risk, as avoiding peak snowfall and freezing periods lowers the chance of losing control.
Driving during winter weather can be tricky – ice makes roads slick, and falling snow limits visibility.
Slow down when there’s winter weather and increase your following distance. Avoid risky driving behaviors like texting behind the wheel and driving impaired. And ask yourself whether you really need to make that trip – if the weather is too risky to drive, stay home.
Below are some tips for getting on the road during winter weather.
Prepare your car for winter weather
Season changes are a good time to check on your vehicle’s tires – make sure they still have a tread of 2/32 of an inch or more, inspect them for damage and ensure proper inflation levels.
Check your lights – headlights, brake lights, turn signals and flashers. Swap out windshield wipers if they’re damaged or old. Check your coolant system and keep your gas tank close to full. Keep electric vehicles charged.
Create an emergency kit for your vehicle
During the winter, drivers should carry emergency kits that include a paper map, battery-operated radio and flashlight, extra winter clothes and blankets, nonperishable food and water, flares, jumper cables, a snow shovel, ice scraper and gloves. In mountainous areas, drivers should carry tire chains and a bag of sand or kitty litter for wheel traction.
See how a mom of teens prepares her vehicles for winter with a safety kit.
Drive safely around snow plows
The Nevada Department of Transportation lists tips for operating safely around snow plows and says drivers should use caution when following, passing or approaching snow plows as a snowplow driver’s field of vision is restricted.
Other tips:
- Drive a safe distance behind plows.
- Don’t drive next to a snowplow if possible.
- Don’t brake unnecessarily in front of a snowplow.
- Only pass when the road is adequately clear of snow.
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Consider full coverage car insurance
Collision and comprehensive coverage, comprising full coverage car insurance, can protect drivers during winter weather months. Full coverage car insurance with limits of 100/300/100 costs $2,513 per year, on average.
In the winter, experts recommend that drivers carry the following coverages:
- Liability: Liability coverage insures you if your car causes injury or damage to another person’s property.
- Collision: Collision coverage pays for damages to your car caused by collision, whether or not the accident was your fault. Collision provides coverage if you crash into another vehicle by sliding on black ice or hitting an object like a guardrail.
- Comprehensive: Comprehensive insurance covers damages caused to your car due to factors other than collision, such as weather events, animal strikes or falling branches.
Wintry weather conditions can lead to accidents. Here’s what you need to know.
Here’s what to do if you’re in a winter weather car accident
If you’re involved in a car accident due to wintry weather, the Insurance Information Institute recommends the following steps:
- Pull your vehicle to the side of the road so you don’t impede traffic.
- Check on your passengers – make sure everyone is OK.
- Assess your vehicle damage – take photos of any damage.
- Record the details of the accident. If you hit an unattended vehicle, leave a note with your name and contact information. Get witnesses’ names and contact information — exchange driver’s license and insurance information with other drivers involved. Note the location of the accident, time of day and weather conditions.
- Alert the police and highway patrol in the case of a serious accident and file an accident report on the police department’s website.
- Notify your insurance company to start the claims process.
Frequently Asked Questions: Driving during winter weather
Do you really need to slow down when roads are snowy or icy?
Yes. Snow, slush and ice reduce tire traction, meaning it takes much longer to stop or steer safely. Slowing down gives your tires more grip and helps you maintain control when conditions change suddenly.
Are winter tires worth it if my area only gets light snow?
They can be. Winter tires stay softer in cold temperatures, improving braking and cornering even on dry pavement below 45°F. Drivers in mixed winter climates often see shorter stopping distances with dedicated winter or all-weather tires.
How often should I check my tire pressure in winter?
More frequently than in warmer months. Cold air reduces tire pressure, sometimes by 1–2 PSI for every 10°F drop. Checking weekly, or at the very least before long trips, helps maintain traction and prevents tire damage.
What should go in a winter emergency kit?
Common essentials include a blanket, gloves, flashlight, scraper, jumper cables, traction material, phone charger and bottled water. These items help keep you safe if you’re stranded or waiting for roadside assistance during severe weather.
Does using all-wheel drive make winter driving completely safe?
No. All-wheel drive improves acceleration on slick roads but doesn’t help with braking or turning on ice. You still need slower speeds, careful steering and proper tires to stay safe in winter conditions.
Resources & Methodology
Sources
- Insurance Information Institute. “What to do at the scene of an accident.” Accessed December 2025.
- Nevada Department of Transportation. “Safe Winter Driving.” Accessed December 2025.
- NHTSA. “Winter Weather Driving Tips.” Accessed December 2025.
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