Winter driving presents unique risks, from freezing temperatures to icy roads. Every year, thousands of drivers face roadside emergencies that could have been prevented with preparation and safe habits. By learning how to prepare your vehicle, equipping yourself with the right tools, adjusting your driving and monitoring conditions, you can protect yourself, your passenger and fellow drivers.

Preparing your vehicle

Taking time to prepare your vehicle can significantly reduce the risk of breakdowns and improve your safety on the road.

• Inspect tires. Ensure proper tread depth. Tires are your first defense on slippery roads. Ensure proper tread depth to offer better grip in snow and ice noticeably improving traction and stopping distance.
• Check the battery. Cold weather weakens batteries; test and replace if necessary.
  Car batteries lose power in cold temperatures, which means a weak battery in the fall could leave you stranded in the winter.
• Maintain visibility. Replace wiper blades and use winter-grade washer fluid.
  Snow, sleet and road salt can make it difficult to see. Fresh wiper blades ensure your windshield stays clear, while winter-grade washer fluid prevents freezing in the reservoir.
• Top off fluids. Keep antifreeze and oil at recommended winter levels.
  Antifreeze prevents your engine from freezing in cold temperatures. Neglecting fluid levels can lead to breakdowns at the worst possible time.

Stocking an emergency kit

Having a well-stocked emergency kit ensures you’re ready for unexpected situations, giving you the tools and supplies needed to stay safe if you become stranded.

• Blankets, gloves and hats for warmth - If you become stranded, staying warm until help arrives is critical. Extra blankets and winter clothing can help, especially if you are traveling with children or elderly passengers.
• Bottled water and non-perishable snacks - Being stuck for several hours without food or water can quickly turn stressful. Energy bars, nuts and bottled water keep you hydrated and nourished while you wait.
• Flashlight with extra batteries – Roadside emergencies often happen at night or in poor weather. A flashlight helps you see under the hood, makes you more visible on the side of the road and can be used to signal for help.
• Jumper cables and a portable charger - Dead batteries are one of the most common winter roadside issues. Jumper cables allow another driver to help you, while a portable jump starter gives you independence if no one is around.

An emergency kit may seem like extra baggage, but it becomes invaluable during unexpected breakdowns. Preparing ahead of time ensures you are never caught off guard.

Adjusting driving habits

Winter roads require more caution, and adjusting your driving habits can greatly improve your control and reduce the likelihood of accidents in snowy or icy conditions.

• Slow down. Speeds safe in summer may be dangerous in winter.
  Speed limits are based on ideal conditions, not icy roads. Driving slower in snow and ice allows you more time to react if the car ahead of you loses control.
• Increase distance. Leave extra room to stop on slick roads.
  On icy roads, your stopping distance can be double or triple what it normally is. Maintaining a safe distance between you and other vehicles reduces the likelihood of a rear-end collision.
• Brake gently. Avoid slamming brakes; if skidding, steer into the skid.
  Slamming on the brakes can cause your tires to lock, making it harder to regain control. Instead, apply steady pressure and steer in the direction you want the car to go if you begin to skid.
• Use headlights. Improve visibility during snow or fog.
  Turning on headlights not only improves your vision, but it also helps other drivers see you in low-visibility conditions. Even during the daytime, lights make your vehicle more visible against thick fog.

Changing your driving habits may feel inconvenient, but it greatly reduces your risk of accidents. The small adjustments you make today could prevent a major emergency tomorrow.

Staying informed

Staying updated on weather and road conditions helps you make informed travel decisions and avoid hazardous situations before you even begin your trip.

• Check weather forecasts before traveling. Knowing what to expect helps you plan better routes, leave earlier or delay travel if conditions are unsafe.
• Use road condition apps for live updates. Many states provide live road condition maps and apps that track closed roads. Checking these before you head out can save you from getting stuck.
• Delay travel if storms or icy conditions are expected. Sometimes the safest option is to stay home. Waiting until conditions improve not only protects you but also reduces stress on first responders who are already busy during storms.

Information is your most powerful tool. Staying aware of changing conditions allows you to make smart, safe decisions before you ever leave your driveway.

Winter driving requires patience, preparation and awareness. By maintaining your vehicle, carrying an emergency kit, adjusting how you drive and staying informed about conditions, you can protect yourself from roadside emergencies and travel more confidently all season long.