While much of the country has experienced warmer temperatures this fall, we all know that’s about to change! Whether it’s snow, sleet or ice, winter weather can cause dangerous road conditions. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, in 2023, there were more than 100,000 police-reported traffic crashes involving snow or sleet, with approximately 22,000 resulting in injuries. Fortunately, the number of winter traffic fatalities has gone down in recent years, with 320 reported in 2023.
You can avoid problems once the inclement weather starts by getting ready now.
Prepare for the Worst
While we can’t control the weather, we can prepare our vehicles and ourselves:
- Start by getting your vehicle checked. Both your tires and the car battery work overtime during the winter months.
- Inspect your tires for pressure, tread and age. It is recommended that you replace your tires at least every 6 years. In snowy areas, plan on having winter tires installed or purchasing tire chains. Before buying new tires, visit NHTSA’s Tires page to review tire safety ratings. The Uniform Tire Quality Grading System (UTQGS) lets you compare tire treadwear, traction performance, and temperature resistance.
- When the temperature drops, so does battery power. In cold weather, gasoline and diesel engines take more battery power to start, and the driving range of electric and hybrid-electric vehicles can be reduced. Have a mechanic check your battery, charging system, belts, and for any other needed repairs or replacements.
- Check your wipers. Make sure your windshield wipers are working properly and fill up with good quality wiper fluid.
- Be familiar with your car’s safety features.
- Stock your car’s emergency preparedness kit. Emergency kits typically include:
- Battery booster cablesIce scraper and brush
- Portable shovel
- Flashlight and batteries
- Roadside emergency triangle or reflectors
- basic first-aid kit
- Cell phone charger.
- Hat, gloves, blanket, rain poncho, wipes and rags as well as an extra pair of boots if possible.
- Bottled water, granola bars, and other easy-to-transport snacks that aren’t perishable.
- Plan ahead. Keep in mind that inclement weather is going to slow you down. Plan your trips accordingly and give yourself enough time to travel. Check the weather forecast before you leave, fill up on gas and make sure your phone is charged (but please don’t use it while you are driving.) Let others know where you’re going or at least when to expect you. If you know a storm is coming, consider postponing your trip.
- Buckle up. Especially if you have small children, check to make sure that you are still able to properly buckle them into their car seats when they are wearing winter layers. Bring a blanket to place on them after they are properly installed.
- Clean your car’s exterior camera lenses and side-view mirrors so you can see what’s around you. Remove dirt, ice and snow from sensors to allow the assistive-driving features like automatic emergency braking to work. Also, clean the snow off the vehicle to keep drivers from being hit by piles of snow and ice.
- Allow your vehicle to fully warm up and those windows to defrost! Visibility is so beyond important, for obvious reasons.
- Drive slowly and increase your following distance. Driving too closely to snowplows can be particularly hazardous as they frequently make unexpected turns and stops.
- If you are stopped or stalled, stay with your car and make it visible by putting bright markers on the antenna or windows or use the emergency triangle. Be mindful of carbon monoxide poisoning. Make sure your exhaust pipe is clear of any snow and run your car only sporadically — just long enough to stay warm. Don’t run your car for long periods of time with the windows up or in an enclosed space.
Preparation may keep you safe and a little more comfortable while you are dealing with winter driving challenges.