Essential Tips for Driving in a Snowstorm & Other Low Visibility Situations
Posted on May 16, 2025
Driving in a snowstorm or any low-visibility situation can be incredibly challenging. Harsh winter weather like snow, fog, and heavy winds not only reduces visibility but also creates slippery roads that require extra caution.
These conditions can make even routine trips feel daunting. So, how can you stay safe when driving in a snowstorm or facing poor visibility?
Knowing what is considered low visibility for driving and applying practical safety techniques are essential to protecting yourself and others on the road. Whether you're driving in a snowstorm at night or dealing with heavy snowfall during the day, preparation and strategic decision-making are key.
In this guide, we’ll explore safety tips for driving in a snowstorm and handling low-visibility situations, helping you confidently handle even the most challenging conditions.
Prepare Your Vehicle for Low-Visibility Driving
Understanding what is considered low visibility for driving is the first step to staying safe in challenging conditions. Low visibility typically occurs during snowstorms, fog, heavy rain, or even nighttime driving, all of which can obscure your view and increase the risks on the road.
Proper preparation can make a big difference to your safety and peace of mind when driving in low visibility. Here are some essential low-visibility driving tips and reminders on how to get your vehicle ready to handle snowstorms, fog, and other risky weather situations:
1. Ensure Headlights, Taillights, and Windshield Wipers Are Functioning
Your vehicle’s lights and wipers are your first line of defense in low-visibility conditions. When driving in a heavy snowstorm, you should check that your headlights and taillights are clean and working correctly—they help you see and make your car more visible to others.
Don’t forget to test your windshield wipers to ensure they’re in good shape and replace them if they leave streaks or skip across the glass.
2. The Importance of Winter Tires and Maintaining Proper Tire Pressure
Winter tires provide better traction on icy or snowy roads, making them essential for low-visibility winter driving. Regularly check your tire pressure, as cold temperatures can cause it to drop, reducing your tires’ effectiveness.
Properly inflated winter tires can improve grip and stability, helping you stay in control during tough conditions.
3. Keep Your Windshield Clean and Stock Up on Antifreeze and Wiper Fluid
A clean windshield is crucial for visibility. Before driving, use a good-quality glass cleaner to remove smudges and frost. Ensure your wiper fluid reservoir is full of a winter-grade formula to prevent freezing. Additionally, check your vehicle’s antifreeze levels to avoid engine trouble in cold weather.
4. Regular Maintenance to Avoid Surprises
Routine maintenance keeps your vehicle reliable when conditions are less than ideal. Schedule regular oil changes, battery checks, and inspections of your brakes and heating system. A well-maintained vehicle is less likely to break down, leaving you stranded in poor weather.
By taking these steps, you can be better prepared for whatever low-visibility conditions come your way, ensuring a safer and more comfortable journey.
Adjust Your Driving Techniques When Faced with Snowstorms
Snowstorms demand extra caution and adjustments to your usual driving habits. Slippery roads, reduced visibility, and unpredictable conditions can turn a routine drive into a challenging journey. Here are key techniques to help you stay safe when the snow starts falling:
1. Reduce Speed to Match the Visibility and Road Conditions
Driving too fast in snowy conditions can lead to accidents. Reduce your speed significantly, even below the posted limits, to match the reduced visibility and slippery surfaces. Driving slower gives you more time to react to obstacles and reduces the likelihood of losing control.
2. Increase the Following Distance to Allow Extra Stopping Time
Tailgating is a big no-no in snowstorms. Keep a much larger distance between your car and the vehicle in front of you—aim for at least six seconds of space. This buffer provides the extra stopping time needed when roads are slick or visibility is poor.
3. Avoid Abrupt Movements Like Hard Braking or Sharp Turns
Sudden actions, such as slamming the brakes or making quick turns, can cause your tires to lose grip on icy roads. Instead, make gradual adjustments to your speed and direction. Use light, steady pressure on the brakes and steer gently to maintain control.
4. Stay Alert for Black Ice and Road Hazards
Black ice is nearly invisible and extremely slippery. Watch for shaded areas, bridges, and overpasses, where it tends to form. Drive slowly and avoid sudden movements in these areas to reduce the risk of skidding.
5. Be Prepared to Pull Over if Conditions Worsen
If the snowstorm becomes too intense, don’t hesitate to find a safe place to pull over and wait it out. Look for well-lit areas away from traffic, and use your hazard lights to stay visible. It’s better to delay your trip than to risk an accident.
Use the Right Lights in Low Visibility Driving
Each type of light on your vehicle serves a specific purpose and knowing when and how to use them can make all the difference in challenging weather. Let’s go over the essential lights and their uses:
1. Headlights
Your car’s headlights come in two types: low beam and high beam. Low beams provide balanced lighting for the road ahead without blinding other drivers, making them ideal for most low-visibility conditions like fog or light snow regardless of whether it’s day or night.
High beams are brighter and focus straight ahead, which is helpful on dark roads with no oncoming traffic but should be avoided in fog or heavy snow to prevent glare.
2. Tail Lights
Tail lights automatically turn on with your headlights, emitting a red light at the back of your vehicle. These lights help drivers behind you see your car in poor visibility and judge their distance from you.
3. Fog Lights
Fog lights are positioned low on your car to reduce glare from fog, snow, or rain. Use these when regular headlights aren’t effective but remember to turn them off when visibility improves to avoid dazzling other drivers.
4. Signal Lights
Also known as turn signals or blinkers, these lights indicate your intent to turn or change lanes. Using them consistently helps other drivers anticipate your moves, especially in low-visibility situations.
5. Brake Lights
Brake lights activate when you hit the brakes, signaling to drivers behind you that you’re slowing down or stopping. Check them regularly to ensure they’re working, as they are critical for preventing rear-end collisions.
6. Hazard Lights
Hazard lights flash to warn others of immediate danger, like a breakdown or an obstacle on the road. Use them sparingly in low-visibility conditions to signal distress or a temporary stop, but never as a substitute for regular driving lights.
7. Daytime Running Lights
These lights are designed to keep your vehicle visible during the day and typically turn on automatically. While helpful in certain conditions, remember they aren’t a replacement for headlights at night or in heavy snow or fog.
Stay Focused and Alert While Driving
Driving in a snowstorm requires your full attention. Reduced visibility, slippery roads, and changing conditions can make even short trips dangerous. Here are some key tips to help you stay safe when driving through snowstorms:
1. Minimize Distractions (e.g., No Phone Use or Loud Music)
In snowy conditions, distractions can be deadly. Avoid using your phone, texting, or engaging in activities that take your attention away from the road. Loud music can also reduce your ability to hear important sounds, like the honking of horns or the sound of tires slipping.
2. Stay Vigilant for Obstacles Like Stopped Vehicles, Ice Patches, or Pedestrians
Snowstorms can hide hazards like stopped cars, black ice, or pedestrians crossing the road. Keep a close eye on the road ahead and check your mirrors frequently. Slow down and be prepared for sudden stops, as you may need to react to these hidden dangers unexpectedly.
3. Recognize Signs of Fatigue and Pull Over if Necessary
Driving in a snowstorm can be mentally and physically exhausting. If you start feeling tired, don’t push yourself—pull over in a safe spot and take a break. Drowsy driving is just as dangerous as distracted or impaired driving, so rest if you need to. A quick nap can help you recharge and stay alert.
4. Use Your Full Vision Range and Scan Regularly
Keep your eyes moving and scan the road for potential hazards in all directions. Look out for road signs, changes in road texture, and vehicles ahead of you. In a snowstorm, hazards can appear quickly, so you must keep an eye on the bigger picture and not just the immediate area in front of you.
5. Avoid Overconfidence and Drive at a Comfortable Pace
Snowy roads can be slippery even if you've driven through storms before. Avoid overestimating your abilities and driving too fast for the conditions. Keep a comfortable, steady pace that allows you to react to sudden changes in the road or weather.
Emergency Preparedness for Driving in a Snowstorm
Whether you get stuck in a snowbank or experience a breakdown in poor weather, having the right supplies and knowing what to do can make all the difference. Here are some essential tips for emergency preparedness when driving in a snowstorm:
1. Carry an Emergency Kit with Essentials (e.g., Blanket, Flashlight, Food, Water)
In case you get stuck or stranded, having an emergency kit can help you stay safe and comfortable. Pack essential items like a warm blanket, non-perishable food, water, a flashlight, and extra batteries. Consider including a first-aid kit, extra gloves, and a snow shovel as well.
2. Learn How to Handle Being Stuck or Stranded During Severe Weather
If you get stuck in snow or experience a breakdown, it’s important to stay calm and handle the situation properly. Don’t try to leave your vehicle if conditions are too severe or visibility is poor. Instead, stay inside where it’s safer and conserve fuel by turning the engine off intermittently.
Keep your hazard lights on to alert other drivers, and if you're near a road, avoid trying to walk for help in bad weather. Instead, contact emergency services for assistance.
3. Keep a Fully Charged Phone and Emergency Contacts Handy
Always have your phone charged and ready in case of an emergency. Make sure to save important contacts, such as family members, roadside assistance, or local emergency numbers, so you can quickly get in touch if you need help.
4. Check Weather Conditions Before You Leave
Before heading out, always check the weather forecast for snowstorms or any low-visibility situations. If conditions are particularly bad, consider postponing your trip or taking alternative routes. Being proactive can prevent you from getting caught in dangerous weather.
5. Keep Your Gas Tank At least Half Full
A full tank of gas is essential in a snowstorm, as it allows you to run the heater if needed and ensures that you can move your vehicle if you get stuck. Always try to keep your gas tank at least half full during winter months to avoid running out in harsh conditions.
6. Know How to Clear Snow and Ice from Your Car
Before you drive, make sure your car is clear of snow and ice. Don’t just scrape the windshield—clear off all windows, side mirrors, and the roof of your car. This improves your visibility and ensures snow doesn't blow onto your windshield while driving.
How To Determine When to Avoid Driving
Sometimes, the safest choice in a snowstorm is to avoid driving altogether. Severe weather can quickly make roads dangerous, and you need to know when conditions are too risky to drive. Here are some tips to help you decide when to stay off the road:
- If visibility is extremely low and you can’t see far enough ahead, or if snow is falling heavily and accumulating quickly, it’s a sign that driving may not be safe. If roads are icy or there’s a high risk of getting stuck, it might be best to wait until conditions improve.
- Preparation, cautious driving, and knowing when to stop are key. If you’re not sure whether it’s safe to drive, it’s better to delay your trip or find a safer route.
- Always check weather updates and road conditions before heading out, and if conditions worsen while you’re driving, find a safe place to pull over and wait until things clear up.
Remember, your safety is the most important thing. If the weather looks dangerous, stay informed and don’t hesitate to cancel or postpone your plans. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.
Best Winter Cars for Snowstorms and Extreme Conditions
The best cars for winter driving offer powerful traction, stability, and comfort, making sure that you can handle even the toughest roads. At CarHub Caledon Chrysler, we offer some of the top vehicles built for winter driving. Here are a couple of our standout options:
Jeep Grand Cherokee
The Jeep Grand Cherokee is an excellent choice for handling winter weather. Its Quadra-Trac AWD system delivers outstanding traction, while the Selec-Terrain traction management system lets you switch between various driving modes, including Snow Mode, for better control in snowy and slushy conditions.
Dodge Durango
The Dodge Durango is another top contender for winter driving. With available AWD options, this SUV offers plenty of power and stability, even in harsh conditions. Its spacious interior ensures comfort for long winter trips, while the strong drivetrain and rugged design make it well-suited for snowstorms and icy roads.
These vehicles are just a few examples of the great options available at CarHub Caledon Chrysler, where we help you find the right vehicle to conquer winter driving challenges.
Conquer Winter Roads with Confidence – Discover Winter-Ready Vehicles at CarHub Caledon Chrysler
Driving in snowstorms and low-visibility conditions doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With proper preparation, safe driving practices, and the right vehicle, you can tackle winter roads with confidence.
At CarHub Caledon Chrysler, we’re here to ensure your safety and peace of mind by offering expert advice and a wide selection of winter-ready vehicles equipped to handle even the harshest weather.
Whether you need a reliable SUV with advanced safety features or a fuel-efficient car ready for winter driving, we’ve got you covered. Visit CarHub Caledon Chrysler today to explore our winter-ready inventory, and don’t forget to browse our blog for more essential tips and updates.
Stay safe, drive smart, and enjoy a worry-free winter!