January 23, 2026
Editor: Sudhir Choudhary, The Vagabond News
As winter weather tightens its grip across large parts of the Northern Hemisphere, road safety experts are urging drivers to adjust habits, vehicles, and expectations before heading out. Snow, ice, freezing rain, and reduced visibility dramatically increase the risk of accidents, making winter driving one of the most hazardous seasonal challenges for motorists.
Transportation safety agencies say many winter crashes are preventable with preparation, patience, and a clear understanding of how vehicles behave in cold conditions.
Why Winter Driving Is More Dangerous
Cold temperatures affect everything from tire grip to braking distance. On icy roads, stopping distances can be up to ten times longer than on dry pavement. Black ice — a nearly invisible layer of ice that forms when temperatures hover around freezing — remains one of the leading causes of winter collisions.
Experts stress that overconfidence is a major risk factor.
“Most winter accidents happen because drivers underestimate conditions or overestimate their vehicle’s capabilities,” said a senior road safety official.
Prepare Your Vehicle Before You Drive
Before setting out, experts recommend ensuring your vehicle is winter-ready:
- Check tires: Winter or all-season tires with adequate tread are critical. Bald or underinflated tires significantly reduce traction.
- Inspect brakes and battery: Cold weather weakens batteries and exposes brake issues.
- Top off fluids: Windshield washer fluid rated for freezing temperatures is essential, as salt spray and snow can quickly obscure visibility.
- Clear all windows and lights: Driving with snow-covered lights or frosted windows reduces visibility for you and others.
Keeping an emergency kit — including a flashlight, blanket, jumper cables, and phone charger — is also strongly advised.
Adjust How You Drive
Experts emphasize that winter driving requires a calmer, slower approach:
- Reduce speed: Speed limits are designed for ideal conditions, not snow or ice.
- Increase following distance: Leave at least six to eight seconds between your car and the vehicle ahead.
- Brake gently: Sudden braking can cause skidding. Apply steady pressure instead.
- Steer smoothly: Abrupt turns increase the risk of losing control.
If your vehicle begins to skid, experts advise steering gently in the direction you want the front of the car to go, while avoiding hard braking.
Use Technology — But Don’t Rely on It
Modern vehicles are equipped with safety features such as anti-lock braking systems (ABS), traction control, and electronic stability control. While helpful, experts caution these systems are not substitutes for careful driving.
“All-wheel drive helps you move, not stop,” safety officials note, warning drivers not to assume extra traction eliminates risk.
Know When Not to Drive
One of the most important winter safety decisions is knowing when to stay off the road. Authorities advise avoiding travel during active snowstorms, freezing rain events, or when road crews have not yet treated highways.
Checking weather forecasts and road condition updates before departure can help drivers make informed choices.
A Matter of Patience and Planning
Emergency responders say winter crashes often spike during morning and evening commutes, when roads refreeze and visibility drops. Leaving earlier, allowing extra travel time, and reducing stress can significantly improve safety.
“Winter driving isn’t about skill — it’s about discipline,” said a highway patrol spokesperson. “Slow down, stay alert, and don’t rush.”
As winter conditions continue in many regions, experts agree that preparation and caution remain the most reliable tools for arriving safely.
Source: Transportation safety agencies; winter road safety guidelines
Tags: winter driving, road safety, snow, ice, vehicle safety, travel tips
News by The Vagabond News
