5 Tips for Driving Safely in Winter Storms – Emergency Management Degree Program Guide

January 30, 2019

Tips for Safe Driving in Winter Storms

• Be prepared

• Cell phone Usage

• Have enough fuel

• Drive safely

• Stay at home

Sometimes being aware of some driving safety tips can mean the difference of surviving when drivers are out in a winter storm. Whether it’s the beginning of winter, the end of winter or somewhere in between, we still never know if and when we’re going to be hit with a big winter storm, especially those living in the Midwest. Depending on the area, drivers could encounter some dangerous road conditions. Here are 5 tips for driving safely in winter storms.

1. Be prepared

While we can’t stop a winter storm, there are ways we can prepare for it. Winter temperatures can be very cold, especially if we’re stranded on the road far from home. Always keep an emergency kit in your vehicle. A well-stocked emergency kit should include jumper cables, snow brush, ice scraper, gloves or mittens, extra boots, flashlight and batteries, first aid kit, warning flares, snacks and water, shovel and a bag of sand or cat litter for traction in case the car gets stuck on ice or snow. Drivers should also make sure they have a good spare time, jack, antifreeze and extra windshield washer fluid.

2. Cell phone Usage

Despite all the warnings about cell phone usage while driving, drivers are still advised to carry a cell phone and phone charger with them when driving in a storm. Do not use it for idle chatting and texting or allow children to play games on it because that can drain the battery quickly. Keep it fully charged in case it’s needed. Drivers who need to get ahold of someone but have little signal should try texting. For some reason, texts often go through when phone calls fail.

3. Have enough fuel

We’ve probably all heard that we shouldn’t let our gas tank get below half a tank, and there is a lot of truth to that. If a driver is stranded and needs to keep the vehicle running for heat, the gas is often consumed quicker than if the car was operating on the road. Always keep the fuel tank as close to full as possible in the winter time. Drivers should also make sure all necessary their fluids are filled to capacity. If a vehicle is stuck in snow, it’s important that drivers make sure the tailpipe is not plugged. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that about 430 people die and 50,000 people are hospitalized each year from accidentally carbon monoxide poisoning.

4. Drive safely

At all times, drivers should drive as safe as possible but even more so in a winter storm. Stay well within the speed limit, keep headlights on and stay on the right side of the road. Drive cautiously and don’t always assume the other drivers will do the same. Drivers should always allow sufficient time to reach their destinations, allow adequate room between them and the driver in front and brake slowly. Use caution on hills and bridges and avoid using cruise control.

5. Stay at home

This is probably one of the best safety habits a driver can use. Most accidents happen not just because of winter storms but because of other drivers. Drivers who have no place to go should stay off the roads until the storm passes. The more vehicles on the road during a storm, the better the chance for an accident. Additionally, the fewer vehicles that are on the road, the easier it will be for the snow plows to keep the roads clear.

Most winter storms are predicted a day or two ahead of time, so it’s important that everyone pay attention to weather reports either on their phones, television or car radios. Even if drivers appear to follow every safety driving tip, they may still find themselves in potential danger when out in a winter storm. The American Red Cross states that drivers who are in immediate danger should contact their local Red Cross, go to a local shelter or contact law enforcement.