Prepare for Winter Driving Hazards
Updated: December 31, 2025
Winter is the most dangerous driving season, and with good reason. Approximately 12% of all car accidents are weather‑related, and here in the Kansas City area, drivers face a range of winter driving hazards—from snow and slush to freezing rain, black ice, and bitter cold temperatures.
To help you stay safe on Missouri roads this winter, we’ve compiled essential tips for navigating hazardous conditions and preparing your vehicle for cold‑weather emergencies.
Safe Driving Tips for Winter Weather
- Adjust and control your speed to match road conditions — whether they are wet, icy, or snow-covered.
- Increase your following distance. Rule of thumb: leave at least three times more space than normal to allow for longer stopping distances and unexpected stops.
- Approach hills slowly so you’re prepared for whatever is on the other side.
- Avoid cruise control on slick roads; you need full control to react quickly, and this can make it harder to react in time.
- If you start to spin or skid, steer into the direction of the spin. If you start to skid, turn your wheel in the direction you want the car to go.
- Keep your cell phone accessible in case of an emergency; however, avoid texting, emailing, or making calls while driving.
- Use your headlights. This increases visibility for yourself and others.
- Never pass the snow plows. They travel slowly for a reason, and conditions ahead of them are often worse.
- Always give yourself extra time to reach your destination safely.
Tips to Prepare Your Car for Cold Weather
- Maintain good visibility. Keep your windshield, mirrors, and windows clear of frost, snow, and ice.
- Check to make sure your defroster, heater, brakes, and lights are in working order and functioning properly.
- Inspect wiper blades and replace if necessary. Keep washer fluid filled and winter-ready.
- Check tire tread and pressure to ensure your tires are properly inflated. This improves traction on snow and ice.
- Test your battery and invest in a good set of jumper cables. Cold weather weakens battery performance. If your car’s battery is three years or older, it may be time to buy a new one.
- Check your antifreeze levels and mix to prevent engine freeze‑up.
- Keep a full tank of gas; this prevents your car’s gas line from freezing
Winter Emergency Supplies to Keep in Your Vehicle
- First aid kit
- Lantern, flashlight, road flares, and other reflective items with extra batteries
- Jumper cables
- Portable air compressor
- Extra gloves, hats, and blankets
- Shovel and a bag of sand, salt, or cat litter for traction
- Basic set of tools, ice scraper, and snow brush
Missouri weather can change quickly. Preparing for snow, freezing rain, slush, black ice, and extreme cold can make all the difference when winter driving hazards strike.
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Editor’s Note: This post was originally published January 8, 2016. It has been reviewed for content and accuracy on January 13, 2023, and December 31, 2025.
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