It’s something all of us will experience many times living in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula- driving in snowy and icy conditions. It can be a daunting task even for the most experienced drivers.

The roads are slick and slippery, visibility is often reduced, and the risk of an accident increases significantly. As a result, it’s important to take extra precautions and follow safe driving practices to protect yourself and others on the road. In this blog post, I’ll provide you with 10 tips for navigating snowy and icy roads safely. By using these tips you can reduce the chances of getting into a crash and arrive at your destination safely.

1) Clear off snow and ice from your vehicle

Before you even start your journey it’s crucial to make sure your vehicle is cleared of snow and ice. This includes the windows, mirrors, hood, roof, and trunk. Not only is it difficult to see out of a car that is covered in snow and ice, but it can also be dangerous for other drivers on the road. Snow and ice that falls off your car while you’re driving can obstruct the vision of other drivers, potentially causing accidents. It’s also important to clear the snow and ice off of your headlights and taillights so that they are visible to other drivers.

2) Keep your car well-maintained and prepared for winter driving conditions

It’s important to keep your car well-maintained year round, but during the winter months this can be especially crucial. You want to make sure your tires have enough tread depth and are appropriate for winter driving. Many people have a set of snow tires for the winter and other tires for the rest of the year. Winter tires improve traction in snow and icy conditions. 

It’s always a good idea to keep your vehicle in good condition and address any potential issues. The last thing you want to happen is for your vehicle to break down during a snowstorm. You should have your coolant levels checked, as well as your battery to make sure it’s strong enough for cold morning starts. 

It’s a good idea to keep a few basic supplies in your car, such as a snow shovel, cat litter or sand for traction, flares, a flashlight, a blanket, and a snow scraper.

3) Slow down and increase your following distance

One of the most important tips for safe driving on snowy and icy roads is to slow down and increase your following distance. It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of everyday life and want to get where you’re going as quickly as possible, but it’s crucial to adjust your speed and allow for extra time when driving in adverse weather conditions. Snow and ice can significantly reduce traction, making it more difficult to stop or change direction quickly. By slowing down and increasing your following distance you can give yourself more time to react to any sudden changes on the road and avoid accidents. It’s also a good idea to use low gears when driving up steep hills, as this can help you maintain better control of your vehicle. Remember, it’s better to arrive at your destination a few minutes later than not at all.

4) Watch out for ice

Ice is one of the most dangerous hazards to watch out for when driving in the winter months. It’s often difficult to see and can cause your vehicle to lose traction. Take extra caution when driving on bridges and overpasses, as these structures tend to freeze before regular roads. It’s a good idea to reduce your speed and increase your following distance when driving on these surfaces, as well as being extra cautious when braking or turning. Speaking of turning, it’s always a good idea to significantly reduce your speed before you need to turn your vehicle. If you start to feel your car slipping or sliding, remain calm and steer in the direction you want the front of the car to go. If you start to lose control, gently apply the brakes and try to steer your car off to the side of the road if possible.

5) Avoid sudden movements or braking

You want to avoid sudden movements or braking when driving on snowy and icy roads. These can cause your vehicle to lose traction and skid making it very difficult to control. Instead, try to make smooth, gradual movements and give yourself plenty of time to stop. If you need to brake, do so gently to avoid skidding and losing control. With older vehicles, you may need to pump the brakes to maintain control. However, newer vehicles often have traction control, which helps to prevent skidding by automatically applying the brakes to individual wheels as needed. It’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the features of your vehicle and how to use them.

6) Use your brakes properly to avoid skidding

As mentioned above, some vehicles have traction control while many older vehicles still on the road do not. If you do not have traction control, try to get a “feel” for pumping the brakes by practicing in an empty parking lot. Each time you press down on the brake pedal your tires will lock up and your vehicle will either slide or slow down. Then each time you release your brakes you will gain traction and go in the direction you’re steering. It’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the braking system of your vehicle and how it performs in different weather conditions.

7) Take an alternate route 

Sometimes the safest course of action is to take an alternate route, even if it means you’ll arrive at your destination a bit later. Main roads and highways are usually plowed first, so you may want to drive more on these types of roads and less on side streets which will be plowed last. You should also consider avoiding roads that are more prone to icing or have steep hills, as these can be particularly dangerous in snowy and icy conditions.

8) Stay alert and avoid distractions while driving in adverse weather conditions

Avoiding distractions while driving is always important, but chances are it’s something you can improve yourself. Just look around you while driving and you’ll notice other drivers texting while driving, looking around their vehicle and not at the road, trying to eat while driving, or other forms of distracted driving. Unfortunately it has become a habit for many drivers. This habit doesn’t get “turned off” on its own due to bad weather conditions. 

Distracted driving is a leading cause of accidents, and it’s even more dangerous when combined with slippery roads and reduced visibility. Remember, your safety and the safety of others on the road should always be your top priority, so put away your phone and focus on the task at hand.

9) Be aware of other drivers and give them plenty of room to maneuver

The time and distance it takes to stop your vehicle during icy conditions increases. Applying the brakes too late often leads to going off into a ditch or rear-ending another vehicle. To prevent this, be conscious of the driver in front of you. Watch out for their brake lights and follow at a greater distance than you normally would. Make sure you’d be able to stop in time if they braked hard unexpectedly. 

10) Stay informed about weather conditions

One of the most important things you can do before hitting the road is to stay informed about the current weather conditions. This includes checking the forecast for the day’s temperature, snowfall, potential storms, and other weather-related information. This will give you an idea of what to expect on the road and allow you to make adjustments to your driving plans accordingly.

When driving long distances you could also monitor local news and weather reports throughout your journey. These reports can provide valuable information about road closures, accidents, and other incidents that may be affecting traffic. It’s also a good idea to have a reliable weather app on your phone so that you can check the forecast and stay informed while on the road.

Overall, driving safe in snowy and icy conditions is crucial for protecting yourself and others on the road. It involves taking extra precautions and following safe driving practices such as clearing your vehicle of snow and ice, keeping it well-maintained, slowing down and increasing following distance, staying informed about weather conditions, and avoiding distractions. Following these tips can help reduce the chances of getting into a crash and increase the chances of a smooth and safe journey.