Winter Driving Hazards and How to Avoid Them

By the Mercury Team

Winter is a beautiful season, but it can turn even the simplest drive into an obstacle. From snowy roads to reduced visibility, there are plenty of challenges you might face when getting behind the wheel. Luckily, with some preparation and the right strategies, you can feel safer and more confident about handling the winter roads. In this post, we’ll go over several common winter driving hazards and how you can avoid them.

Common Winter Driving Hazards

Let’s break down the most common hazards you might encounter and how to handle them safely.

Snow and Ice on the Roads

When snow and ice cover the road, it reduces traction, which makes it harder for your tires to grip the road. This can cause your car to skid when you brake, accelerate, or turn too quickly. Bridges, overpasses, and shaded areas are especially tricky because they freeze faster than other parts of the road.

So, how do you maneuver safely on snowy and icy roads? Keep this winter driving advice in mind:

• Slow down: Keep your speed low and steady. The faster you drive, the harder it is to stop or recover if your car starts to slide.
• Use winter tires: These are designed to grip icy surfaces better than regular tires, giving you more control in slippery conditions.
• Brake and accelerate gently: Sudden movements can cause skids. Press the gas and brake pedals slowly and steadily to maintain traction.
• Keep a safe distance: Leave plenty of room between you and the car ahead—at least six seconds of following distance—so you have extra time to stop.
• Be extra cautious on icy spots: Slow down when approaching bridges, overpasses, and shaded areas, as they’re prone to freezing faster than open roads.

Reduce Visibility

Snowstorms, thick fog, and those early sunsets make it harder to see where you’re going—and harder for others to see you. This reduced visibility can make driving a nerve-wracking experience, but there are some easy ways to drive safely in winter:

• Clean your headlights and windshield: Snow, salt, and grime can block your headlights or cloud your windshield, so a quick wipe can make a huge difference.
• Use your defrosters and wipers: Foggy windows are frustrating—and dangerous. Turn on your defrosters to clear the glass, and keep your wiper fluid topped off with one that works in freezing temperatures.
• Stick to low-beam headlights in snow or fog: High beams can reflect off snowflakes or fog, which makes it even harder to see. Low beams cut through better and help others spot you, too.
• Take it slow: When you can’t see far ahead, it’s not the time to rush. Lower your speed, and give yourself plenty of time to react to whatever’s ahead.

Black Ice

Black ice is one of the sneakiest hazards on winter roads. It’s a thin, transparent layer of ice that blends in with the road, which makes it practically invisible. Unlike snow, which you can see and anticipate, black ice gives no warning, so you might not realize you’ve hit it until your tires lose grip.

So, how do you spot black ice? Look for shiny or wet-looking patches on the road. If the road looks wet but it hasn’t rained or snowed recently, it could be black ice. Also, when the thermometer drops below 32°F, be on high alert for icy patches—especially early in the morning or late at night when temperatures are coldest. As mentioned before, approach areas like bridges, overpasses, and shaded parts of the road with caution.

If you hit black ice, the most important thing is to stay calm. Don’t slam on the brakes or jerk the steering wheel since that will only make things worse. Instead, ease off the gas and let your car slow down naturally. If your car starts to slide, gently steer in the direction of the skid to regain control.

Essential Winter Driving Safety Tips

Now that you know some of the common winter driving hazards, let’s explore some tips on how to keep you safe and steady on those winter roads.

Preparing Your Vehicle for Winter

Before you even hit the road, make sure your car is ready to take on winter’s worst. Here are some considerations:

• Winter tires: If you live in an area with severe winter weather, these tires are a must-have. They’re designed to handle wintry conditions and provide better traction than regular ones. If winter tires aren’t an option, check that your current tires have plenty of tread and are properly inflated. Cold weather causes tire pressure to drop, so check it regularly throughout the season.
• Check fluids and battery health: Top off the antifreeze to prevent your engine from freezing, and switch to winter-grade windshield washer fluid so you’re not stuck with frozen spray when you need it most. Don’t forget about your battery, either. Cold weather can zap its strength, so it’s a good idea to get it tested.
• Put together an emergency kit: Pack a blanket, gloves, a flashlight, jumper cables, an ice scraper, and some snacks. You might never need it, but you’ll be glad it’s there if you do.

Adjust Your Driving Habits

Caution and control are the name of the game when it comes to driving in winter weather. Driving too fast makes it harder to stop in time if something unexpected happens. Take it slower than usual because you never know when there might be a patch of black ice. On top of that, increase your following distance by at least six seconds so you can brake safely.

Also, be smooth with movements. Sudden braking, fast acceleration, or sharp turns can make your car skid, so be extra cautious.

When it comes to hills, strategy is key. For uphill climbs, get a little momentum going before you start and keep a steady pace. For downhill drives, use a lower gear and lightly tap the brakes to control your speed without skidding.

Planning Ahead and Staying Informed

A little planning and preparation can make your winter treks more manageable. First, check the weather. If snow or ice is in the forecast, see if there are any road condition updates. Apps like Waze or local news can give you the heads-up you need. If you’re planning a longer trip through areas with potentially spotty service, download your route ahead of time.

Also, stick to the main roads whenever you can. Highways and main streets are more likely to be plowed or salted, while backroads and shortcuts are often left untouched. If conditions are really bad, it’s okay to delay your trip or find a safer route.

What to Do in Case of a Winter Driving Emergency

Whether your car breaks down, you get stuck in the snow, or you’re in an accident, knowing what to do can make a stressful situation much safer and easier to handle. Here’s how to stay calm and take the right steps during a winter driving emergency:

Stay Warm While Waiting

If your car is running, keep the engine on, but crack a window and clear snow from the exhaust to avoid carbon monoxide buildup. Use blankets, extra clothing, or even floor mats to stay warm. If your car isn’t running, stay inside to conserve heat and move occasionally to keep your circulation going.

Use Your Emergency Supplies

Your winter kit is your best friend. Use a flashlight to signal for help and set up reflective triangles or flares if you have them. Snacks and water can keep your energy up, and tools like an ice scraper, small shovel, or kitty litter can help free a stuck car.

Call for Help

If you can’t get moving or are in an accident, call roadside assistance or emergency services. Share your location using apps like Google Maps. While you wait, stay in your car with hazard lights on to stay visible and safe.

Conclusion

No matter how ready you are for winter roads, surprises can still happen. That’s why having the right auto insurance is so important—it gives you the peace of mind that you’re covered when it really matters. At Mercury Insurance, we understand that staying safe shouldn’t mean spending a fortune. That’s why we offer affordable options, including cheap auto insurance and auto insurance discounts designed to fit your budget while keeping you protected.

Contact us today for a fast, free quote!