---
title: "Stay Safe on Winter Roads: Your Essential Driving Guide"
description: , actionable safety tips for driving during severe winter weather and to encourage an auto insurance review.
---

[Business Finance & Insurance Tips Blog | Tans Agency](https://marketing.tansagency.com/blog)

# [Stay Safe on Winter Roads: Your Essential Driving Guide](https://marketing.tansagency.com/blog/stay-safe-on-winter-roads-your-essential-driving-guide)

 Written by [Tan Menon](https://marketing.tansagency.com/blog/author/tan-menon) | Oct 22, 2025 8:29:40 PM

#### Expert tips for preparing your vehicle and driving safely in snow, ice, and black ice conditions.

**Winter storms bring heavy snow, strong winds, and low temperatures, leading to hazardous road conditions.** The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) reports that **24% of weather-related crashes** happen on snowy or icy pavement. If driving is essential, follow these key safety tips.

### Before You Drive

- **Clear your vehicle completely:** Remove snow and ice from **all windows, mirrors, headlights, and taillights**. Don't forget the roof—snow can shift and block your view.
- **De-ice:** Keep your washer fluid full, and use a good **ice scraper** with working wiper blades.
- **Consider snow tires:** Winter tires offer significantly better **traction** on ice and snow; experts recommend them on all four wheels.

### Driving Safely

- **Slow Down and Brake Gently:** It takes much **longer to stop** on slick roads. Ease your foot onto the pedal to slow down gradually; avoid sudden braking.
- **Maintain Distance:** Follow the car in front of you by about **6 seconds** to ensure adequate stopping time.
- **Control Skids:** If you skid, take your foot off the gas and **steer gently in the direction of the skid** until you regain control.
- **Avoid Cruise Control:** **Never use cruise control** on wet, icy, or snowy roads. You need full, immediate control at all times.
- **Use Low Gear:** Driving in a lower gear on snow or ice can provide more **traction** and limit your speed.
- **Handle ABS Correctly:** If your anti-lock brakes activate (you'll feel a pulsing), **maintain firm, constant pressure** on the pedal. Do not pump the brakes.
-  

### Hazards and Precautions

- **Watch for Black Ice:** This nearly invisible ice looks like wet pavement. Slow down and use extreme caution if you see what appears to be wet road when surrounding areas are dry.
- **Give Snowplows Room:** Keep a wide distance from snowplows. They have limited visibility, and the snow they push can temporarily block your view.
- **Know Road Closures:** Stay off roads until they are plowed and de-iced. Be aware of local **snow emergency levels**; you could be ticketed for driving during a high-level alert.

### Review Your Auto Insurance

Driving in severe weather increases your accident risk. For added peace of mind and protection, it is always a good idea to **review your auto policy** with a trusted advisor.

**Contact The Tans Agency for a policy review:**

- **Phone:** 469.269.6539
- **Email:** sales@tansagency.com
- **Website:** [www.Tansagency.com](https://www.Tansagency.com)

[View full post](https://marketing.tansagency.com/blog/stay-safe-on-winter-roads-your-essential-driving-guide)

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