Winter Weather Driving Tips: Prepare and Prevent

Winter weather conditions can be hazardous and scary, especially when you’re behind the wheel.

Even a small amount of snow or ice can create unsafe conditions for drivers. The Federal Highway Administration estimated that nearly 220,000 crashes from 2019 to 2023 were the result of freezing conditions, including snow, sleet, hail, or freezing rain.

Preparing ahead of time can help make a trip safer or provide support in the event of an emergency. Help your employees, members, and volunteers drive safely and prevent vehicle accidents caused by winter weather conditions by following these tips.

Be prepared for anything that comes your way.

Before your drivers head out, consider implementing a preparedness checklist that both helps to prevent an emergency from happening and ensures that they have the tools they need in case one occurs.

• Keep an eye on the weather
  • If the forecast includes a winter weather watch or warning, consider if the trip can wait until after things clear up.
  • Leave early to account for traffic and slower speeds. Speeding is dangerous even when the road conditions are perfect.
  • Familiarize yourself with your route before you leave so you don’t have any surprises.
• Maintain your vehicles
  • Check that the battery is fully charged.
  • Ensure the tires are properly inflated and have good tread.
  • Windshield wipers should be attached and intact to keep visibility clear.
  • Check that the windshield washer fluid is full.
  • Check your antifreeze.
  • Keep your gas tank at least half full.
• Have an emergency toolkit on hand, and ensure that it contains:
  • Flashlight
  • Jumper cables
  • Shovel
  • Ice scraper/snow brush
  • Extra clothing/blankets
  • Warning devices, such as flare

For more ways to prepare your drivers, check out our bulletin.

Do what you can to prevent crashes before they happen.

The best way to prevent a winter weather related crash is to avoid traveling at all, but that may not always be feasible. If your drivers must be on the road, or are already driving when a winter storm starts, consider these tips to help prevent crashes or incidents on the road:

• Slow down and increase distances between you and other cars.
• Keep an eye out for pedestrians. The weather may make it harder for you to spot them or harder for them to find the crosswalk.
• Make sure everyone is wearing a seatbelt.
• Avoid fatigue by getting plenty of rest prior to driving. If possible, stop and rotate drivers at least every three hours.
• Do not drive under the influence.

Follow the law, assess your risk, proceed with caution.

Sharing these resources and implementing a preparedness checklist can help reduce the risk of an accident, and, most importantly—save a life. Looking for resources to help ensure your team is better prepared? Our industry-specific resource libraries can help community-focused organizations like yours manage auto risks and implement best practices. Our resources include pieces dedicated to healthcare and caregiving facilities, houses of worship, and public entities.

Learn more about how Glatfelter Insurance Group can help you in the event of an accident.