Health library

Winterize your driving

These tips can help you stay safe on the road this season.

Make sure your battery, tires, coolant system, wipers and wiper fluid are winter-ready.
Pack a winter kit that includes a blanket, an extra ice scraper, water, and sand or cat litter (to put under stuck tires).
Clean your car’s windows, side mirrors, headlights and backup camera (if you have one).
If possible, stay home until snowy roads are cleared.
Slow down! Keep more space between you and other cars.
If you slide, turn into the skid. (Steer in the direction the back wheels are sliding.)
If you’re stuck in a storm, stay with your car.

Sources

AARP. "9 Winter Driving Tips to Keep You Safe." https://www.aarp.org/auto/driver-safety/winter-driving-tips.
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. "Driving in Winter Weather." https://www.nhtsa.gov/winter-driving-tips.
National Safety Council. "Be Prepared for Winter Driving." https://www.nsc.org/community-safety/safety-topics/seasonal-safety/winter-safety/driving.

Reviewed 1/16/2025