Winter weather brings beautiful scenery but also dangerous driving conditions. Snow, ice and sleet can turn even short trips into hazardous journeys. According to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), 24% of weather-related crashes occur on snowy, slushy, or icy pavement and 15% happen during snowfall or sleet. Each year, these conditions contribute to over 1,300 deaths and more than 116,800 injuries, while nearly 900 fatalities and 76,000 injuries occur during snowfall or sleet.

Other studies show that icy roads alone cause about 156,000 crashes annually, resulting in nearly 2,000 deaths and over 135,000 injuries. These numbers highlight why winter driving safety should be a top priority.

Step 1: Prepare your vehicle

Before winter weather hits, make sure your car is ready:

• Inspect tires: Check tread depth and consider winter tires for better traction
• Monitor tire pressure: Cold temperatures lower pressure—keep tires properly inflated
• Check brakes, battery and fluids: Ensure antifreeze levels are correct and windshield wipers are in good condition
• Keep your gas tank at least half full to prevent fuel line freeze and ensure you can stay warm if stranded

Step 2: Drive smart in winter conditions

• Clear all snow and ice from your vehicle—including roof and lights—to maintain visibility and prevent hazards for others
• Has been involved in a crash
• Plan ahead: Check weather and road conditions before leaving. Allow extra time and reduce speed
• Increase following distance: Stopping on snow or ice can take 2–6 times longer than on dry pavement
• Avoid cruise control on wet, icy or snowy roads
• Use caution on bridges and overpasses: They freeze before other surfaces
• Know your brakes: Vehicles with ABS require different braking techniques—consult your owner’s manual
• Brake early and gently: Sudden maneuvers can cause loss of control
• If you start sliding, ease off the accelerator and steer in the direction the rear of your car is moving
• Stay behind snowplows: Conditions behind them are safer than in front
• When conditions are severe, avoid driving if possible to keep roads clear for emergency vehicles

Step 3: Keep kids safe

Bulky winter coats can make car seats unsafe. Thick layers compress during a crash, creating slack in the harness. Instead:

• Buckle children in regular clothes
• Cover them with blankets or put coats on backward over the harness

Step 4: Follow basic safety rules

• Buckle up every passenger
• Avoid driving while fatigued
• Put down cell phones and other distractions
• Never drink and drive
• Ensure children are correctly buckled into properly installed car seats

Winter driving requires preparation, patience, and caution. By following these tips, you can help keep yourself—and everyone else on the road—safe this season.

Armed Forces Insurance: your trusted veterans auto insurance advisor

Armed Forces Insurance has been a trusted advisor to armed forces service members for more than 135 years. We’re not a giant corporate skyscraper full of slick insurance executives. We’re a small company headquartered just down the road from Fort Leavenworth in Kansas. We know each other, and our customers know us. If you’re looking for a someone you can trust to shoot you straight and help you protect your vehicles, check out our auto insurance page.

Learn more about auto insurance:

9 Factors That Affect Your Car Insurance Rates (Forbes)

What is covered by a basic auto insurance policy? (Insurance Information Institute)