Why it matters
The Federal Highway Administration says 24% of weather related crashes in the US happen on snowy, slushy or icy pavement, and another 15% happen while snow or sleet is falling. Its yearly figures:
| Condition | People injured | People killed |
|---|---|---|
| Snowy, slushy or icy pavement | More than 116,800 | More than 1,300 |
| During snowfall or sleet | Nearly 76,000 | Nearly 900 |
The same agency notes that average speeds on arterial roads drop by 30 to 40% on snowy or slushy pavement. Traffic slows down because grip is gone, and you should too.
Before you go
- Ask whether the trip is needed. AAA's first advice for bad weather is to stay home if you can.
- Check the tires. NHTSA says tread should be at least 2/32 of an inch on all tires, and suggests considering snow tires. Our tip on winter tires vs all season tires explains the difference.
- Clear the whole car, not just a hole in the windshield: windows, mirrors, lights and roof.
- Pack the basics: NHTSA lists a shovel, sand or cat litter for traction, a flashlight, blankets, water, snacks and a phone charger.
On the road
- Slow down. NHTSA puts it simply: it is harder to control or stop a car on a slick or snow covered surface.
- Leave more space. AAA recommends at least 8 to 10 seconds to the car ahead on slippery roads, against the usual 3 to 4 seconds on dry pavement. Pick a sign or pole and count when the car ahead passes it.
- Be gentle with every input. Accelerate, brake and steer slowly. AAA advises avoiding sudden starts and stops, especially on hills.
- Turn off cruise control. AAA says not to use it on slick roads, so you stay in control of the throttle.
- Keep momentum on hills. AAA advises not to stop while going up a hill if you can avoid it.
- Give snowplows room. NHTSA says not to crowd a plow or drive beside one, and to pass only with caution.
How to brake
Most modern cars have antilock brakes (ABS). NHTSA says that with ABS you should press the pedal firmly and keep the pressure on. In an older car without ABS, NHTSA says to pump the brakes if you feel the wheels start to lock. Your owner's manual tells you which system you have. AAA also suggests braking before a turn, not in it: brake, then turn, then accelerate.
If the car starts to slide
- Stay calm and take your foot off the gas.
- Look and steer where you want to go, not at what you are afraid of hitting.
- If the rear end slides out, turn the wheel gently in the same direction the rear is moving, as AAA describes.
- Avoid stabbing the brakes in a skid. AAA warns that hard braking can make it worse.
Watch bridges and shady spots
Bridges and overpasses ice up before the road around them. As Fox Weather explains, citing the National Weather Service, cold air reaches a bridge from above and below, while a road on the ground keeps some warmth from the earth underneath. A bridge can look clear and still be slick. Treat every bridge, overpass and shaded stretch as icy when temperatures are near freezing.
If you get stuck, stay with the car. NHTSA says to clear snow from the exhaust pipe and run the engine only now and then, just long enough to stay warm, and not to run it for long with the windows up. Put bright markers on the antenna or windows and keep the dome light on so you are easier to spot.
Keep the tires in shape
Good tires do most of the work on snow and ice, so keep an eye on tread through the season. Our guide on when to replace tires explains how to read tread wear, and Badger's maintenance schedule shows the status of your tires and brakes with the distance to go before the next service.
