When winter arrives, so do challenging driving conditions. Snow, ice, and reduced visibility can make the roads treacherous. To ensure your safety and that of others, you must practice defensive driving on winter roads.

What Is Defensive Driving?

Defensive driving is a set of safe driving techniques that prioritize anticipation, caution, and proactive responses to potential hazards on the road. It involves paying attention to the road, maintaining a safe following distance, obeying traffic laws, and being prepared to react if something occurs without warning. Defensive drivers constantly scan their surroundings, anticipate the actions of other drivers, and make decisions that minimize the risk of accidents.

It’s important to protect yourself on the road and stay vigilant for unexpected situations to prevent collisions and increase your road safety.

How To Drive Defensively in Winter Weather

Defensive driving becomes crucial in adverse conditions like bad weather or heavy traffic. Continue reading below to learn how to practice being a defensive driver.

Practice Patience and Caution

You should never drive anywhere in a hurry—especially if the weather is hazardous. So, give yourself plenty of time to arrive at your destination, so you're not tempted to drive aggressively. Approach intersections, turns, and hills with extra caution, as these areas can be particularly slippery. Remember that it's better to arrive a little late than not to arrive at all.

Check the Weather Forecast

Before leaving, check the weather forecast and road conditions to see if conditions are expected to be hazardous. Winter weather changes quickly. So, if the forecast looks severe, consider postponing your trip or staying home altogether. Always keep emergency supplies, like blankets and snacks, in your vehicle in case you have to pull over to the side of the road.

Improve Visibility

Limited visibility can be a significant challenge during winter. Take steps to ensure you can see and be seen, like using your headlights in foggy, snowy, or rainy conditions. Keep your wipers and tires maintained to ensure they work properly in hazardous winter conditions.

Stay Ready for Surprises

Defensive driving means expecting other drivers to make mistakes or preparing for surprises to happen on the road. Leave extra space between your vehicle and the one in front of you, allowing for longer stopping distances. Approach intersections with caution, as they can be slippery. Slow down well in advance.

Minimize distractions inside your vehicle to maintain total focus on the road. This includes checking your phone, changing the radio, or eating food as you drive.

Follow the Rules of the Road

Never underestimate the importance of adhering to traffic rules. Carefully obeying stop signs and speed limits makes it easier to react to unexpected obstacles on the road or drivers who make unexpected moves. Make all your actions gradual, from accelerating and braking to steering. Sudden movements can lead to loss of control. Keep a brush and scraper in the car to clear off all ice and snow from your windows, mirrors, and lights before setting off.