Winter driving is its own beast. There’s the snow, ice, hidden black ice, and even rogue icicles falling onto your windshield can turn an ordinary commute into a nerve-wracking experience (and sadly it can get worse than that). It’s really no secret that winter is one of the most dangerous times to drive, your chances of getting into a car accident triple.
Plus, it’s hard to say who’s at fault when Mother Nature is working against everyone, right? But thankfully, over the decades, there’s been more practical ways to keep safe, because salting the roads just isn’t enough. So, with all of that said, here’s how to keep yourself (and your car) out of trouble when winter does its worst.
Block the Glare With Sunglasses
It might sound odd, but sunglasses in winter are a fairly big deal. Just think about it; bright sunshine reflecting off snow can blind you faster than you’d think. If you’ve ever been to a ski resort, you know how blinding snow can be, right? Well, it’s the same concept. This glare, combined with snowy roads that haven’t been fully cleared, makes spotting hazards a serious challenge.
A good pair of polarized sunglasses cuts through the glare and keeps your vision sharp. Whether you’re navigating around icy bends or avoiding snowbanks, being able to see clearly can make all the difference. Keep a pair in your car—you’ll thank yourself when that low winter sun hits.
Tap Your Brakes for Better Control
Alright, so stopping on winter roads isn’t about slamming the brakes, it’s actually about finesse. If you’re approaching a stoplight, a curve, or any other potential hazard, tap your brakes gently as you approach.
This helps your car slow down gradually and keeps your tires from locking up on icy surfaces. However, this trick is especially helpful in neighborhoods or downtown areas where stop-and-go traffic meets slick, unevenly cleared streets. You’ll feel more in control, and your car will too.
Watch Out for Bridges That Freeze
Usually, there are signs or even warnings in the news about local spots, but sometimes, that’s just not going to be enough (and not everyone knows about this either). Bridges are notorious for freezing before regular roads, but did you know they can refreeze within minutes? A bridge might feel fine as you approach, but a gust of cold air or a sudden temperature dip can quickly turn it into an ice rink.
So, you’ll need to just slow down before you hit the bridge and keep your movements steady. No sudden lane changes or sharp turns, just smooth, controlled driving until you’re back on solid ground. Essentially, black ice is far worse than regular ice, and this is super prevalent around bridges.
Check for Snow Piles Near Exits
Unfortunately, snowplows don’t always get it right, and their work can leave towering snow piles near intersections, turns, or exits. These piles don’t just block your view either, but they can hide oncoming traffic or pedestrians from sight, creating a perfect recipe for accidents. If you’re turning onto a street with a snowbank nearby, inch forward slowly until you’re sure the coast is clear. No, really, this is a big deal!
Brighten Up Your Brake Lights
Now, this is one that really can’t be stressed enough and this is something that a lot of drivers don’t seem to realize either. So, dark, snowy days mean visibility is already a struggle. But dim or malfunctioning brake lights make it even harder for other drivers to see you.
Ideally, it’s best to look into upgrading to a brighter, more reliable 7443 bulb that can help you stand out in bad weather. The reason is to improve the visibility for others, which alone means that it’s an extra layer of safety. Plus, it significantly lowers the chance of being rear-ended (and a car skating through ice tends to just increase the chances of something like this too).
Keep an Eye on Overloaded Trees
Sure, by all means, driving through snow-covered woods might feel like a winter wonderland, but it’s not without its hazards. If you’re not from a rural area, then there’s a high chance you’re not even going to know about this. But heavy snow and ice can weigh down tree branches, turning them into ticking time bombs just waiting to fall. If you’re driving in an area with lots of trees, stay in the middle of the road if possible and avoid parking under overhanging branches.
Slow Down on Snowy Curves
Is this one obvious? Well, for the most part, it should be, right? Well, even if the road looks clear, curves can hide all sorts of hazards. Ice loves to collect on bends because uneven shading and melting patterns keep the surface cooler. Besides, if you add snow or slush, and you’ve got a recipe for sliding straight off the road.
It’s best to just go ahead and take curves slower than you think you need to, and always look for subtle signs of ice, like a shiny or slightly darker surface. Overall, just staying cautious here isn’t overreacting, it’s pretty smart too (and it also helps to have a dash cam in case anything still goes wrong for insurance proof).
Choose Your Parking Spot Wisely
Actually, this is something that a lot of drivers just simply have no idea about, but it’s best to pay attention to this one (and yes, it is a big deal). So, where you park can make a big difference in winter. Avoid spots under sloped roofs, where melting snow can slide off and bury your car, or worse, smash into it. The same goes for parking under trees. There are plenty of “funny” YouTube videos online that even showcase parked cars piling up.
So, if possible, pick a spot that gets sunlight during the day. You can pretty much expect that the extra warmth can help melt ice off your windshield and reduce snow buildup. But parking a little farther from busy roads can save you from getting sprayed with salty, slushy messes by passing cars.
