Whether it’s snow, sleet or ice, winter weather can cause extremely dangerous road conditions. In 2023 there were 320 fatal traffic crashes, and an estimated 22,293 injury crashes that occurred when there was snow/sleet conditions at the time of the crash. Preparing yourself – and your vehicle – for winter weather is key.
The Basics
Slow down. It’s harder to control or stop your vehicle on a slick or snow-covered surface. In fact, in 2023 there were an estimated 101,390 police reported traffic crashes that occurred when there were snow/sleet conditions at the time of the crash. On the road, increase your following distance enough so that you’ll have plenty of time to stop for vehicles ahead of you.
Don’t crowd a snowplow or travel beside the truck. Snowplows travel slowly, make wide turns, stop often, overlap lanes, and exit the road often. If you find yourself behind a snowplow, stay far enough behind it and use caution if you pass the plow.
What to Do in an Emergency
If you are stopped or stalled in wintery weather, stay focused on yourself and your passengers, your car, and your surroundings.
Stay in your car and don’t overexert yourself. 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 extended periods of time with the windows up or in an enclosed space.
Batteries
When the temperature drops, so does battery power. In wintery weather, gasoline and diesel engines take more battery power to start, and electric and hybrid-electric vehicles’ driving range can be reduced. Have a mechanic check your battery, charging system, belts, and any other needed repairs or replacements.
Safety Technologies
Familiarize yourself with the safety technologies on your vehicle and how they perform in wintery conditions. Know whether your vehicle has an antilock brake system and learn how to use it properly. Antilock brake systems prevent your wheels from locking up during braking. If you have antilock brakes, apply firm, continuous pressure to the brake pedal. If you don’t have antilock brakes, you may need to pump your brakes if you feel your wheels starting to lock up. For more information on driver assistance technologies, visit NHTSA.gov/DriverAssistTech.
Floor Mats
Due to slushy winter conditions, you might consider switching out your usual floor mats for thicker material or rubber ones. Improperly installed floor mats in your vehicle could interfere with the operation of the accelerator or brake pedal, increasing the risk of a crash. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for mat installation and use retention clips to secure the mats. Always use mats that are the correct size and fit for your vehicle.
Gas Up or Plug It In
Keep your gas tank close to full whenever possible.
Similarly, in the case for electric and hybrid-electric vehicles, it is important keep your battery charged and to also minimize the drain on the battery. In general, batteries with liquid electrolytes have reduced energy storage and delivery capabilities at lower temperatures, which is why most all vehicle batteries use battery power for self-heating in low temperatures. The battery drain due to heating can be minimized by keeping your electric vehicle as warm as possible during freezing temperatures. A common way to do this is plugging your vehicle in at night during the winter – keeping the battery in its optimal temperature ranges.
Plan Your Route
Check your local weather and traffic reports before heading out. If your roads are not in good shape, consider postponing non-essential travel until the roads are cleared. If you do have to go out, make sure you are prepared in case you become delayed while traveling. If making a long road trip when winter weather is forecasted, consider leaving early or changing your departure to avoid being on the roads during the worst of the storm.
Familiarize yourself with directions and maps before you go—even if you use a GPS—and let others know your route and expected arrival time. On longer trips, plan enough time to stop to stretch, get something to eat, check your phone, and change drivers or rest if you feel drowsy.
Remember to call Rue Insurance, at 609-586-3900 ext. 239 to discuss more ways that we can help you achieve a ZeroAccidentSafetyCulture!
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About the Author:
Brian Livesey is a Safety and Loss Control Consultant at Rue Insurance. He brings extensive experience as a Safety Director, with a proven track record in the construction, insurance, and manufacturing industries. Brian is highly skilled in Crisis Management, Emergency Response, Safety Management Systems, Root Cause Analysis, and Risk Management.
