Safe Winter Driving Tips for New York Drivers
By the time the first snow falls, it’s easy to be out of the habit of winter driving. In the Finger Lakes and Western New York, lake-effect snow can turn a clear road into a whiteout in minutes. A little preparation — and a slower, smoother approach behind the wheel — can go a long way toward keeping you safe.
Prepare Your Vehicle Before the Snow Flies
Winter is hard on a vehicle, and the time to find a problem is in your driveway — not on a snow-covered shoulder. Before the season sets in, walk through the basics:
- Tires: Check tread depth and air pressure. Tire pressure typically drops as the temperature falls, so it may need topping off. If you frequently drive in snow, a set of winter tires may provide extra traction. Your tire shop can help you check tread and pressure.
- Battery: Cold weather is tough on batteries. Have an older battery tested so you are less likely to be left with a no-start on a frigid morning.
- Wipers & washer fluid: Replace worn wiper blades and keep the reservoir filled with a winter washer fluid rated for freezing temperatures, since slush and road salt can coat your windshield quickly.
- Lights: Check that your headlights, brake lights, and turn signals all work and are clear of snow and grime so others can see you in low visibility.
- Keep the tank fuller: If you become stranded, your engine is your primary source of heat. Try not to let the fuel level drop too low — topping off before you reach a quarter tank is a good habit in winter.
Build a Winter Emergency Kit
Keep a small kit in your trunk so you are ready if you get stuck or stranded. A practical kit may include:
- • Blanket or extra warm clothing
- • Snow shovel
- • Sand or cat litter for traction
- • Flashlight with spare batteries
- • Phone charger
- • Ice scraper and snow brush
- • Jumper cables
- • Water and non-perishable snacks
Driving Techniques for Snow and Ice
When your tires lose contact with clear pavement, your ability to steer, accelerate, and stop is greatly reduced. The goal is smooth, gentle, deliberate driving:
- Slow down. Posted speed limits are set for dry, clear conditions. The slicker the road, the more you should reduce your speed.
- Increase your following distance. Leaving extra space ahead gives you more room to stop gradually instead of braking hard.
- Brake gently. Squeeze the brakes smoothly rather than stomping on them. Sudden braking is a common way to lose traction.
- Avoid cruise control on snow or ice. Cruise control can keep applying power when a tire briefly loses grip, which may make a skid harder to manage. Keep that control in your own foot.
- Watch bridges and overpasses. They freeze before the roads around them because cold air circulates above and below the surface. Approach them gently and avoid sudden inputs.
- Look out for black ice. This thin, nearly invisible glaze often forms on shaded stretches, bridges, and near intersections, and the road may simply look wet. If it has been near or below freezing, treat dark, glossy pavement with caution.
- Ease out of a skid. If your vehicle begins to slide, take your foot off the gas, avoid slamming the brakes, and steer gently in the direction you want the front of the car to go. Smooth, small corrections give your tires a better chance to regain grip.
For more winter driving guidance, see the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) winter driving safety page.
Lake-Effect Snow and Whiteout Conditions
If you drive in the Finger Lakes or Western New York, you already know that lake-effect snow can behave differently from a typical storm. Bands of heavy snow can set up over a narrow area, dropping intense snowfall and cutting visibility dramatically while a town just a few miles away stays clear.
In a whiteout, blowing and falling snow can erase the road, the horizon, and the vehicles around you. If visibility is gone, slow down and, when you can do so safely, find a place to pull well off the road and wait for conditions to improve. Turn on your hazard lights so others can see you, and avoid stopping in a travel lane where you could be struck from behind.
Before heading out, check current conditions and any travel advisories. The New York State Thruway Authority traveler information page and the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles are useful starting points. When a storm is severe, the safest choice is often to delay your trip until the roads are clear.
If You Get Stranded
Even careful drivers can end up stuck in deep snow or stranded by a sudden storm. If it happens to you, a few steps can help keep you safe while you wait for help:
- Stay with your vehicle. It provides shelter and makes you far easier for rescuers to locate than if you set out on foot in poor visibility.
- Keep the exhaust pipe clear. Before running the engine, clear away any snow piled around the tailpipe to reduce the risk of carbon monoxide entering the cabin.
- Run the engine only intermittently. Running it for short periods to warm up, then shutting it off, helps conserve fuel. Crack a window slightly for fresh air while the engine runs.
- Stay visible and call for help. Turn on your hazard lights or dome light, and use your charged phone to contact emergency services or roadside assistance. Let someone know your route and expected arrival time before you leave so others know when to worry.
Winter, Risk, and Your Auto Coverage
Snow, ice, and reduced visibility tend to increase the chance of an accident, which makes winter a sensible time to review your auto insurance and confirm you understand what it includes. Coverage such as collision, comprehensive, and liability each works differently, and what applies in a given situation is subject to the terms, conditions, and deductibles of your policy.
If you do have a winter accident, knowing the right steps to take at the scene can make the claims process smoother. Our article on the do’s and don’ts of an automobile accident walks through what to do if a collision happens. You can also learn more about auto insurance options to see how different coverages may fit your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need winter tires in New York?
Winter tires are not required by New York State for most passenger vehicles, but they may improve traction in snow and on ice because their rubber compound stays softer in the cold and their tread is designed to grip winter surfaces. All-season tires can work for many drivers, though if you regularly drive in the heavy lake-effect snow common across the Finger Lakes and Western New York, a dedicated set of winter tires may be worth considering. Whatever tires you run, check that the tread depth and air pressure are adequate before the season starts.
Why do bridges and overpasses freeze before other roads?
Bridges and overpasses freeze first because cold air can circulate both above and below the road surface, so they lose heat faster than roads built on solid ground. That means a bridge can be icy even when the surrounding pavement is merely wet. Slow down and avoid braking or steering sharply as you cross, especially when temperatures are near or below freezing.
What should I do if my car starts to skid on ice?
Stay calm and take your foot off the gas, but try not to slam on the brakes. Look and steer gently in the direction you want the front of the vehicle to go. Abrupt steering or hard braking can make a skid worse. Easing off the accelerator and making smooth, small corrections gives your tires a better chance to regain grip. Practicing gentle inputs and leaving extra space between you and the car ahead makes skids less likely in the first place.
What should I do if I get stranded in the snow?
If you become stranded, it is typically safest to stay with your vehicle, where you are sheltered and easier for rescuers to find. Make the car visible, and if you must run the engine for heat, first clear snow away from the exhaust pipe to reduce the risk of carbon monoxide building up inside the cabin. Run the engine only intermittently to conserve fuel, and keep a window cracked slightly for fresh air. A winter emergency kit with a blanket, flashlight, and charged phone can make a long wait far more bearable.
Does my auto insurance cover winter accidents and weather damage?
Coverage depends on your policy. Collision coverage may help with damage from a crash on snow or ice, and comprehensive coverage may apply to certain weather-related damage, each subject to your deductible and the terms of your policy. Liability coverage is required in New York and applies to injury or damage you cause to others. Because coverage varies by policy and carrier, it is a good idea to review your auto policy before winter so you understand what is and is not included. A licensed agent can help you understand your options.
Heading Into Winter? Review Your Coverage
Careful driving keeps you safer on snowy roads, and the right auto coverage helps protect you if the unexpected happens. A licensed insurance professional can help you understand your options before the next storm.
Important Information
This information is provided for general educational purposes only and does not constitute insurance advice or policy recommendations. Coverage features described are examples and may not be available in all policies or from all carriers. Actual coverage is subject to the terms, conditions, and exclusions of the policy as issued. Please consult with a licensed insurance professional to discuss your specific coverage needs and options. Stan Steele Agency is licensed in New York State.