Safe Winter Driving Tips

Tuesday, January 14, 2025

Safe Winter Driving Tips

Written by Malman Law, reviewed by Steve J. Malman.

Chicago winters are known for harsh temperatures, ice, and plenty of snow. The number of weather-related accidents always tends to increase this time of year, which is why it is important that all motorists exercise caution while on the road. Whether you are driving to work, taking children to school, or running errands, re-familiarize yourself with these winter driving safety tips – and stay safe on the roads!

Looking For A Car Accident Lawyer Near You?

We’ll fight for the compensation you deserve.

Contact us now Call us now

Contact us now Call us now

10 Safety Tips for Driving in the Snow

Slow Down

Stopping on snow-covered roads can take up to 10 times longer than on dry pavement. So driving at lower speeds gives you more time to react to slippery roads, surprise stops or skidding vehicles. It’s worth repeating: Slower speeds help you maintain control while turning corners or approaching intersections.

Increase Following Distance

Keep a safe distance of 8–10 seconds between you and the car ahead of you. More space means that braking can occur with a greater distance between cars, which helps prevent rear end crashes from sudden stops. Chicago traffic, though, makes this all the more iffy — especially on those snowstorm-busy highways.

Brake Slowly

It is critical to do the braking properly to maintain control on ice or snow-packed roads. When going up or down an icy hill, brake no more than necessary when approaching it, and start to slow down before you reach the hill. Using a lot of pressure as you brake, particularly on slick terrain, can lock up the wheels, make you slide and heighten the chance of an accident.

Apply smooth, gradual pressure on the brake pedal rather than sudden, jarring stops. For vehicles with anti-lock braking systems (ABS), do not pump the brakes. This means if a wheel skids, the intelligent system can automatically cut brake pressure to the affected wheel to prevent it from locking up. Apply brake pedal pressure so that the system can do its work.

Avoid Sudden Movement

Sudden accelerations, hard braking or sharp turns can make your vehicle skid or lose traction. Use slow acceleration, keep a straight line, and have steady speeds to avoid wheelspin or fishtailing on slippery roads.

Use Low-Beam Headlights

Although high beams may appear to help you see better in less-than-ideal visibility conditions, they usually do more harm than good when used in snowy or foggy weather conditions. Opted zoom lights hit snowflakes and ice bits, bouncing back a blinding glare that eliminates vision. Use low-beam headlights instead to increase visibility without causing reflections.

Ensure that your headlights are clear of ice or snow before you take to the road. So clean your lights or replace them with a new one which is not obstructed as dirty or obstructed light decrease your visibility and make it difficult for other vehicles to identify you. A quick and easy safety tip is keeping your headlights clear.

Don’t Use Cruise Control and Overdrive

If you don’t have all-wheel drive, imagine how dangerous cruise control in snow or ice can be. It means cruise control takes away your ability to adapt quickly to changing road surfaces. But when your tires lose traction, cruise control can speed you up rather than slow you down when you need it, causing you to skid.

On slick roads, overdrive can make it difficult to control your speed. Instead, drive yourself and remain vigilant so you can alter your speed accordingly. When conditions are snowy, your complete attention and control of the vehicle are paramount.

Use Snow Chains

When driving on heavily snow-packed or icy roads, snow chains are invaluable for improving traction. They act as extra grip, allowing your tires to bite into the snow and remain steady. Snow chains are more common in rural or mountainous areas, but they are a lifesaver if you need to make it through a severe Chicago blizzard. The local regulations should be confirmed regarding their usage as rules may vary.

Prepare Your Car

When it comes to hitting the road safely amidst the winter weather, preparing your vehicle for the inevitable snow and ice is one of the best ways to ensure a smooth trip. Check your tires for proper tread depth and air pressure first. Underinflated or bald tires do not grip the road well, which is particularly dangerous on icy roads. If the wiper blades are worn, replace them and refill your windshield washer fluid with a winter-grade solution so it does not freeze. Remove snow and ice from your windows, mirrors and headlights before driving so you can see as clearly as possible.

Pack an Emergency Kit

Winter weather can be fickle, and a simple drive can become an ordeal if you get stuck somewhere. Make an emergency kit with supplies, including:

• Blanket, flashlight and warm extra clothing.
• Snack foods that have a long shelf life, like granola bars, etc., and bottled water.
• Snow shovel or ice scraper for clearing snow.
• Jumper cables and road flares for emergencies.

An emergency kit can save your life if you’re stranded on a Chicago highway during a snowstorm

Malman Law’s founder Attorney Steven Malman has over 30 years of experience handling personal injury, nursing home, medical malpractice, premises liability, construction and workers’ compensation cases.

STEVE J. MALMAN

Founding Attorney

Drive Safely: Protect Yourself and Others

Chicago drivers face unique winter challenges, from snow-clogged city streets to icy expressways. Staying safe requires caution, preparation, and patience. However, even the most careful drivers can’t always avoid accidents caused by reckless or negligent motorists. If you’ve been injured in a winter driving accident in Chicago, Malman Law is here to help.

Please read Winter Car Accident Statistics

Injured in a Vehicle Accident?

Unfortunately, there has been an increase in accidents in poor weather. While you cannot control the weather, reckless driving can be avoided. When a driver fails to exercise caution or drives irresponsibly in poor weather, causing an accident, you could be entitled to compensation for your injuries. If you were injured in an accident – whether in a storm or not – contact the car accident attorneys at Malman Law today. Schedule a free consultation at 888-836-5975 or fill out an online contact form.