Winter storm safety tips from NHTSA for drivers

A broad wave of winter weather is expected to sweep across the United States over the weekend, moving from the southwest through Texas and Oklahoma, through the South and the Tennessee Valley. It will eventually reach the mid-Atlantic coast.

Tens of thousands of accidents occur during snow and sleet, according to federal motor vehicle regulators. In 2023, an estimated 101,390 winter weather-related traffic crashes were reported, of which 22,293 resulted in injuries and 320 of which were fatal, according to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) data.

NHTSA maintains a standing list of safety tips for drivers during hazardous conditions. This guidance is especially critical as a potential severe winter storm threatens more than 35 states and puts millions under winter storm watches.

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Tips from NHTSA on how to stay safe during winter driving conditions:

The motoring regulator said the key advice to stay safe in dangerous weather is to slow down because it is difficult to control or stop a vehicle on a slick or snow-covered surface. Another simple but crucial step is to increase the following distance from the cars in front of you so that there is plenty of time to stop.

It is also important to maintain a safe distance from the snowplow and avoid traveling alongside the truck.

“Snowplows move slowly, make wide turns, stop often, overlap lanes, and run off the road frequently. If you find yourself behind a snowplow, stay far enough behind it and use caution if it overtakes the plow,” NHTSA said.

Tire pressure will also decrease when the outside temperature drops, so it is important to make sure each tire is filled to the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended inflation pressure. This will be listed in the owner’s manual and on the sticker on the driver’s side door frame.

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In 2023, there were an estimated 101,390 traffic accidents reported to police due to winter weather. (Hyung Chang/The Denver Post)

It is important not to inflate tires to the pressure stated on the tire itself, as this is the maximum pressure the tire can handle, not the recommended pressure for the vehicle.

In cold weather, gasoline and diesel engines consume more battery power to start, and the driving range of electric and hybrid vehicles can be reduced when the temperature drops, so it’s important to have a mechanic check the battery, charging system, belts, and any other repairs or replacements needed.

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Tens of thousands of accidents occur during snow and sleet, according to federal motor vehicle regulators. (Chase Castor/Getty Images)

What to do in case of emergency

If a vehicle stalls or stalls in the middle of bad weather, drivers must remain focused on themselves, their passengers, the vehicle and its surroundings.

It is also important to stay with the car and not overexert yourself.

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The vehicle must be seen if it is parked, so it is important to place illuminated markers on the antenna or windows and keep the interior dome light on.

It is very important to be aware of carbon monoxide poisoning. Drivers need to make sure their exhaust pipe is free of any ice. They also need to start their car only intermittently, long enough to stay warm.

Drivers should not operate their vehicles for long periods with the windows open or in a closed space.