When embarking on a road trip — no matter the time of year — there are safety tips you should always follow to ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey. But this is especially true in wintertime, when harsh weather in many parts of the country may create hazardous road conditions that require extra caution. Driving in snow, sleet, and icy conditions may put you, your passengers, and other drivers at risk, so it’s imperative that you know how to proceed safely, if you plan to drive at all. Here are our top 10 winter road trip safety tips that every driver should carefully follow.
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Research Annual Road Closures
Some road closures are impossible to predict and are entirely dependent on the weather for any given day. But other road closures are telegraphed far in advance, and these are easy to plan your trip around if you do some prior research.
Some popular tourist destinations in particularly wintry areas shut down their roads for months at a time. Take, for instance, Yellowstone National Park, which closes the majority of its roads to car traffic from November to April. There’s also Smuggler’s Notch Pass in northern Vermont, which is closed from October to May, which might make a drive to your favorite ski mountain take longer than it normally would.
These are just two of the many examples of regular annual road closures throughout the nation during winter. If you’re traveling through a region that’s susceptible to snow, be sure to do some due diligence first and read up on local traffic guidelines. Generally, there are alternative routes you can take to bypass these closures, though they may add a few hours to your drive.
Skip High-Elevation Destinations
The idea of driving up into the Rocky Mountains may sound idyllic, but winter driving conditions only worsen at higher altitudes. Mountainous terrain is known for its colder temperatures and a decreased air density, which could negatively impact the car’s performance. The lower the air density, for example, the harder the engine will have to work to accelerate.
Then, there’s a risk of generally higher amounts of snow and ice, which, combined with steep roads, can make driving very difficult. Because of this, you should limit the amount of time you spend visiting these areas, as beautiful as they may be during the winter. Stick to low-lying regions where the conditions are more likely to be in your favor.
Check Tire Pressure Often
Tires are far more likely to deflate in extremely cold weather than on warmer days. As Consumer Reports explains, tire pressure generally declines 1 pound per square inch for every 10-degree-Fahrenheit drop in temperature. This can quickly lead to deflated tires that fall below the recommended threshold of 30 to 35 PSI (pounds per square inch) — resulting in poor handling, reduced traction, fuel inefficiency, or even a blown tire in the worst circumstances. All of these outcomes can be especially problematic when traveling long distances over the course of several days.
Whenever you stop for gas, be sure to check your tire pressure as well. Many gas stations offer tire pressure gauges, though you can also purchase a convenient handheld tire pressure gauge to keep in the glove compartment.
If you notice your tire pressure is low, be sure to refill them to the recommended PSI every chance you get. (Just be careful not to go above the recommended level, which can be equally dangerous.) This is especially important when driving through parts of the country where service stations are few and far between, as you may end up stranded on the side of the road if the tires blow.
Increase Your Follow Distance
The National Safety Council recommends that drivers keep a three-second distance between cars when driving in good weather conditions. But in wintry conditions, AAA advises drivers to nearly double that distance, creating a buffer of five to six seconds.
Icy roads mean less traction between tires and the pavement, which inhibits your ability to quickly stop a vehicle. Instead, you must come to a stop gradually in wintertime, or else you risk spinning out of control and potentially colliding with another vehicle. The greater the distance between you and the cars ahead of you, the more time you’ll have to slowly press on the brake and come to a stop when needed.
If at any point you do begin to skid while driving, ease your foot off the gas pedal in order to slow your speed, and then turn the steering wheel in the direction that you want the front of the car to move. If the car features an anti-lock braking system (ABS), apply steady pressure to the brake as well. For vehicles without an ABS, avoid pumping the brakes in these circumstances and try to glide the vehicle to safety until you regain control.
Don’t Overbook Yourself
A major mistake that many road-trippers make, especially during the winter, is packing too many activities into a brief amount of time. A single snowstorm can turn a three-hour drive into a 10-hour journey, and you may not make it to your destination in time.
Always give yourself plenty of time to complete the longer portions of your drive, as you may need to stop unexpectedly and book a hotel room until the snow passes. It’s helpful to research ahead of your drive the cities and attractions you hope to visit, and to be prepared to drive for longer than expected or to change your route entirely if the weather doesn’t cooperate.
Wear Sunglasses
Sunglasses aren’t just for hot summer days — they’re also a must for driving in winter. The sun sits lower in the sky during winter, which means its rays hit the ground at a lower angle. This, in turn, produces a more direct and intense glare, especially against highly reflective surfaces such as snow.
Those reflections may inhibit a driver’s ability to see oncoming road signs and cars, or contribute to eye strains and headaches that impair someone’s ability to focus. Wearing sunglasses allows you to see the road clearly, prevents squinting, and protects your eyes from possible UV damage.
Pack Kitty Litter
Even if you aren’t taking your cat on vacation, packing some kitty litter in your car may help in the event of a perilous situation. Cat litter is made of clay, which — unlike salt — has no effect on actually melting the snow. Instead, it provides traction for when your tires get stuck on ice — for instance, when parking at a campsite overnight.
Scatter cat litter around all four tires and then step on the gas pedal; the traction should allow you to get over the ice hump and back on your journey. It’s best to use nonclumping kitty litter, or coarse sand as an alternative — both of which can be tucked away in the trunk until needed.
Avoid Bulky Boots
While you’re bound to need a pair of sturdy boots when exploring all of the destinations on your road trip, you should never wear them when actually driving. The bulkier the boot, the likelier it is to inhibit your ability to feel and operate the car’s pedals. Thick soles prevent you from getting a precise feel for the pedals, which may result in you pressing too hard on the gas or brake, or not nearly enough.
Furthermore, bulky boots restrict ankle motion, so your reaction time may be negatively affected. Keep a dedicated pair of driving shoes within arm’s reach, and change out of your winter boots every time you get in the car. It may feel like a hassle, but it’s worth it for the safety of yourself and other drivers.
Know What To Do When You Get Stuck
In the event you find yourself stuck in a blizzard on an unfamiliar stretch of highway, don’t panic: The National Weather Service has several guidelines for what to do in these situations.
First and foremost, remain inside your vehicle, as exiting the car may put you at risk of being hit by other drivers. To stay warm until help arrives, run the engine and heaters for 10 minutes every hour, and crack the window slightly to protect against carbon monoxide poisoning. Lastly, make yourself visible to other drivers and potential rescue vehicles by tying a brightly colored cloth to your car door or antenna.
Defer Your Trip
At the end of the day, if you don’t feel comfortable on the road in winter, deferring your trip may be the safest option. Consider whether you can push your trip back until the spring or even summer, as certain parts of the country experience winter weather as late as May. While it isn’t always doable, delaying your road trip by a month or two may alleviate the headache of being stranded due to a snowstorm.
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