How to Stay Safe When Driving in Snow and Icy Roads

With the recent record snows in the Northeast, as well as the first significant snows in years in some of the western states, it should go without saying that we all need to exercise caution while driving. Of particular concern is the presence of large snow piles, which can create limited visibility lines in directions other than just the one in which we are traveling.

At intersections that are familiar to us, the tendency is to subconsciously look around before we reach the intersection, causing us to believe that all is clear before we get to the stop sign. However, when large snow piles are present, we may not be able to see those same areas of the road that we normally could, making it necessary to slowly ease towards the intersecting road in order to see around a snow pile. This should be done with caution because, if you cannot see the other car, there’s a good chance the driver of the other car cannot see you.

When you factor in the continued melting and freezing cycles each day after a big snow, it’s also important to be aware of black ice and exercise added caution when approaching potentially hazardous areas.

This winter, let’s all try to give ourselves more time to travel, allow for more space between us and the car in front, and pay more attention to our surroundings, so that we can arrive safely at our destinations.