Snowstorms can bring even the busiest cities to a standstill, turning once-familiar roads into unpredictable danger zones. According to the National Weather Service, more than 70% of roads in the United States are located in snowy regions, and nearly 24% of weather-related vehicle crashes happen on snowy, slushy, or icy pavement (Federal Highway Administration). This means that millions of drivers face these hazards every winter — yet far too many remain unprepared.
Severe winter weather creates a chain reaction of risks: icy roads, black ice patches, drifting snow, and sudden stalls can clog highways and slow emergency response times. The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety estimates that weather-related crashes account for over 1,300 deaths and 116,800 injuries every year in the U.S. — many of which could be avoided with better awareness and preparation.
Yet, every year, drivers underestimate the risks or skip crucial vehicle checks, only to find themselves stranded or involved in preventable accidents. The good news? With proactive steps, you can stay safer and help your city’s roads run more smoothly during the harshest conditions.
✅ Before the next snowstorm hits, take a moment to check your car, plan your route, and share these safety tips with friends and family. Preparation saves lives.
What are the main traffic hazards during snowstorms?
Icy roads, black ice, reduced visibility, snow drifts, and stalled vehicles are the main hazards that cause traffic problems during snowstorms.
1. Black Ice — The Invisible Danger
When winter hits, black ice is one of the most deceptive and deadly hazards drivers face. Unlike thick snow, black ice is a thin, transparent layer that blends perfectly with the road’s surface — making it nearly impossible to see until it’s too late. The Federal Highway Administration reports that ice-covered roads cause more than 150,000 crashes every year in the U.S., with black ice being a significant contributor.
Black ice typically forms when the temperature drops suddenly after rain or snowmelt, or in shaded areas like bridges and overpasses. Even experienced drivers often underestimate its danger. A simple tap on the brakes or a sharp turn can send a car spinning out of control.
How can you protect yourself?
- Slow down on cold mornings and late evenings when black ice is most common.
- Look for shiny, glossy patches — especially near intersections and curves.
- Equip your vehicle with winter tires that have better grip on icy surfaces.
- Avoid using cruise control in icy conditions.
Real-world tip: Seasoned winter drivers recommend testing road grip gently in a safe area — a slow tap on the brakes can help you gauge traction.
✅ Stay alert, drive defensively, and share these black ice tips with new drivers in your household. Awareness is your first line of defense.
2. Poor Visibility from Heavy Snowfall
One of the biggest threats during a snowstorm isn’t just what’s under your tires — it’s what you can’t see ahead. Heavy snowfall can slash visibility to near zero in seconds, making it almost impossible to see other vehicles, lane markings, or sudden obstacles. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), reduced visibility is a top factor in winter-related accidents, especially during intense snow squalls and blizzards.
Snow buildup on your windshield, mirrors, and headlights makes things worse. Many drivers neglect to fully clear snow from their vehicles before hitting the road, which can blind both them and others with flying chunks of snow or slush. Pair that with early nightfall and glare from streetlights reflecting off falling flakes, and you have the perfect recipe for collisions.
How to boost visibility when driving in heavy snow:
- Clear snow and ice completely from all windows, mirrors, and lights — not just a peephole on the windshield.
- Use low-beam headlights; high beams can reflect off snowflakes and worsen glare.
- Wear polarized sunglasses during daytime storms to cut down on snow glare — a tip many overlook.
- Pull over safely if you can’t see road markers for more than a few seconds.
3. Snow Drifts Blocking Roads
Snow drifts may look harmless at first, but these wind-blown piles can turn a drivable street into an unexpected dead end in minutes. In open areas — like city outskirts, rural roads, or even wide urban boulevards — strong winds push loose snow into large drifts that block entire lanes and hide dangerous drop-offs or ditches underneath.
What makes snow drifts especially risky is their unpredictability. Drivers often misjudge their depth and get stuck, leading to abandoned vehicles that block snow plows and emergency vehicles. According to the National Weather Service, drifting snow can persist for hours after a storm ends, catching unprepared drivers off guard long after skies clear.
How to handle snow drifts safely:
- Monitor weather alerts for high winds during and after a snowstorm.
- Stick to main roads that get plowed more frequently. Side streets and rural backroads drift over faster.
- Carry a compact shovel in your car so you’re not stranded if you need to dig out.
- Know your vehicle’s limits. Don’t attempt to power through deep drifts if your car isn’t equipped for it.
Expert insight: Cities in the Midwest often use “snow fences” along open highways to reduce drifting. If you’re driving in rural areas, watch for these — they can make a big difference in road conditions.
✅ Share this tip with neighbors: keep driveways and sidewalks clear of piled snow that could blow back into the road during high winds.
4. Stalled Vehicles and Abandoned Cars
When snowstorms hit hard, even prepared drivers can find themselves stuck — and stalled or abandoned vehicles quickly become one of the biggest traffic hazards for everyone else on the road. A single car stuck sideways on an icy incline or buried in a snow drift can block an entire lane, delaying snow plows and creating a domino effect of traffic jams and accidents. According to AAA, thousands of vehicles get stranded each winter because drivers underestimate how quickly deep snow or icy ruts can immobilize their car.
Abandoning a stuck car in the middle of the road is not only dangerous — it’s often illegal. It makes it nearly impossible for road crews to clear snow effectively and can force other drivers into risky maneuvers to get around. Unfortunately, drivers sometimes panic when their wheels spin out, not realizing that a few simple tools or techniques can help them get moving again.
How to avoid getting stranded — or safely handle it if you do:
- Keep your gas tank at least half full to prevent fuel lines from freezing and to run the heater longer if you get stuck.
- Pack traction aids like sand, cat litter, or traction mats — they can help you regain grip under your tires.
- Never abandon your car in traffic lanes. If you must leave it, pull completely off the road, put on hazard lights, and leave a marker like a bright cloth on the antenna.
- Call for roadside assistance before you exhaust yourself digging out.
Pro tip: Practice getting unstuck in a safe, open area when winter begins — you’ll feel more confident using traction tools when it counts.
✅ Add a small bag of sand or kitty litter to your winter car kit today — it’s an inexpensive, often-overlooked lifesaver when your wheels won’t grip.
5. Ineffective Snow Removal and City Infrastructure
No matter how careful you are behind the wheel, your safety still depends on how well your city handles snow removal. Unfortunately, aging infrastructure and limited budgets often leave many urban areas scrambling to clear streets efficiently during big storms. Understaffed snow plow crews, low salt supplies, or outdated equipment can mean roads stay slick and blocked far longer than they should.
According to the American Public Works Association, many cities operate on tight winter maintenance budgets, forcing them to prioritize major routes while side streets, bike lanes, and sidewalks go uncleared for days. This not only increases the risk of traffic accidents but also endangers pedestrians and cyclists who may share icy roads with cars.
Forward-thinking cities are investing in smart sensors and weather tracking systems that monitor road temperatures in real time, allowing for faster, more targeted salting and plowing. But until such upgrades are widespread, residents must stay vigilant and adapt.
How to handle poor snow removal:
- Know your city’s snow plan. Check local sites for priority plow routes and expected clearing times.
- Advocate for better funding if your neighborhood is often neglected — community input does make a difference.
- Avoid driving immediately after heavy snowfall if possible; give plows time to work.
- Support neighbors. Clear sidewalks and help elderly residents dig out — it makes roads and walkways safer for everyone.
Hidden gem: Some cities now publish live GPS maps showing where plows are active. Bookmark your city’s plow tracker if available — it can help you plan safer routes during and after a storm.
✅ Be proactive: sign up for local winter weather text alerts and share snow removal resources with your community.
How to Prepare for Winter Driving
Understanding the hazards is only half the battle — preparation is what keeps you safe when conditions get tough. Many drivers assume they’re ready for winter roads because they’ve driven in snow before, but overconfidence can be just as dangerous as black ice. A few proactive steps now can help you avoid panic and costly mistakes later.
Essential winter driving prep checklist:
- ✅ Install winter tires. They provide better traction and handling in snow and ice than all-season tires.
- ✅ Pack an emergency kit. Include blankets, water, high-energy snacks, a flashlight, extra batteries, phone charger, ice scraper, small shovel, traction aids, and a first-aid kit.
- ✅ Sign up for local weather alerts. Real-time updates help you avoid dangerous routes or unexpected whiteouts.
- ✅ Keep your fuel tank at least half full. This prevents fuel line freeze-up and keeps your heater running longer if you get stranded.
- ✅ Check your battery, brakes, and wipers. Cold weather can drain battery life fast and weaken worn-out components.
Expert tip: Practice safe stops and turns in an empty parking lot after the first big snow — it’s the best way to test your car’s response in slick conditions.
Preparation isn’t just about gear — it’s also about mindset. Know when to stay home, slow down, or take an alternate route. Winter driving isn’t about getting there quickly; it’s about arriving safely every time.
✅ Take 30 minutes this week to check your emergency kit, inspect your tires, and top up essential fluids — you’ll thank yourself when the first storm hits.
FAQs
Q1: What’s the safest speed to drive during a snowstorm?
Always drive slower than the posted limit. Adjust your speed based on visibility and road conditions — when in doubt, slow down.
Q2: Should I use cruise control in winter?
No. Never use cruise control on icy or snowy roads — it reduces your ability to react and can make skidding worse.
Q3: How often should I replace my winter tires?
Most experts recommend replacing winter tires every 4–6 seasons, depending on mileage and wear. Inspect tread depth every year.
Q4: What’s the best way to help my city keep roads safe?
Stay off the roads during major storms if possible, avoid blocking plows, and report uncleared streets to your city’s hotline.