Winter Driving

Snow, ice, and extreme cold can make driving treacherous. These safety tips from the Centers for Disease Control, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the National Safety Councils and the Madison County Office of the Sheriff can help make winter car travel safer.

  • Always make sure you and all of your passengers wear a seat belt. Use an appropriate child safety seat for all children under the age of seven.
  • Before winter arrives, have your car tuned up, check fluid levels such as; washer fluid and antifreeze, make sure the battery is good, and check your tire tread or put on snow tires. (In New York State snow tires are permitted from October 15 through April 30)
  • Keep emergency gear in your car for everyday trips:
    • Blankets
    • Cell phone
    • Flashlight
    • Ice scraper, snow brush, and small shovel
    • Jumper cables
    • Sand or kitty litter (for traction)
    • Warning devices (e.g., flares, reflectors)
  • For long car trips, keep food, water, extra blankets, and required medication on hand.
  • Remember to leave extra distances between yourself and other cars. Stopping distances are longer on water-covered road and ice.
  • Most winter weather-related crashes are caused by “spin-outs” and vehicles sliding off the road due to excessive speeds for the road and weather conditions
  • The transition from summer driving to winter driving can be difficult for some people. Avoid driving in snow or ice storms. If you must travel in bad weather, drive slowly. Let someone know what route you're taking and when you plan to arrive so they can alert authorities if you don't get there.
  • Bridges and elevated roads will always freeze before other roads. Always use caution and slow down on these roadways.
  • If your car is parked outside, make sure the exhaust pipe and the area around it are free of snow before you start the car. Snow packed in or around the exhaust pipe can cause high levels of carbon monoxide in the car.
  • Don't sit in a parked car with the engine running unless a window is open. Do not let your car run while parked in a garage.
  • Completely clear your vehicle of snow and ice prior to driving. This will provide an unobstructed view and prevent snow and ice from flying off your vehicle and potentially posing a hazard to others on the road.
  • If your car stalls or gets stuck in snow, dial 911, light two flares and place one at each end of the car, a safe distance away. Make sure snow has not blocked the exhaust pipe. Then stay in your vehicle and open a window slightly to let in fresh air. Wrap yourself in blankets and run your vehicle's heater for a few minutes every hour to keep warm.