Two Winter Driving Hazards to Watch Out For

• November 11, 2019
• Automobile Accidents, Driver Safety

Why Winter Driving Is So Risky

Winter weather creates some of the most dangerous driving conditions. Two of the biggest hazards are:

• Wet roads and black ice
• Reduced visibility from snow, sleet, and rain

Together, these hazards account for a significant share of winter accidents (roughly ¼  of auto accidents). In fact, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration reports that snowy and icy roads cause an average of 1,836 deaths and 136,309 injuries every year (based on a 10-year average from 2005–2014).

---

Wet Roads & Black Ice

Wet roads present hazards in all seasons, making it easier to skid and collide into other vehicles, but winter magnifies the risk. Snow and ice increase glare, reflecting it up to twice as much as a dry road, making it harder to see. Black ice—a thin, invisible layer of frozen water—poses the deadliest threat.

Where Black Ice Forms Most Often

• Bridges and overpasses
• Shaded areas under trees or overpasses
• Low-lying spots with water runoff
• Pavement that looks dry but appears darker than usual

It is found when temperatures are near or below freezing and can form even when not raining or snowing. We often refer to it as the deadliest of all winter driving hazards.

Driving Tips for Black Ice

• Slow down but avoid slamming on the brakes—sudden braking can lock your wheels and cause skidding.
• Ease off the accelerator gradually to decelerate.
• Steer smoothly—jerky movements reduce traction.
• If skidding, turn the wheel in the direction you want to go.
• Remember: stopping on black ice can take up to nine times longer than on dry pavement.

---

When you have questions, we are here to help. Call us at (877) 284-6600.

---

Low Lighting & Poor Visibility

Driving in snow, ice, sleet, and rain makes driving that much more challenging. Snow, sleet, rain, and cloud cover reduce daylight brightness, making it harder to judge distance and speed. Add slush, salt, and ice to your windshield, and visibility can drop to near zero. Oncoming headlights reduce your vision even more.

Lack of Visibility. Lack of visibility is one of the top reasons for winter driving accidents. Inclement weather and precipitation significantly reduce visibility.

Driving Tips for Better Visibility

• Clear all windows, mirrors, and even headlights of any snow and ice before driving.
• Make sure your windshield wipers are working well and will clear this mixture off your windshield.
• Make sure your windshield washer fluid is always filled. You’ll find yourself constantly using it to clean your window.
• A good rule of thumb is to drive at least eight seconds behind snowplows to avoid spray from the snow and salt.
• Use low-beam headlights to improve visibility and ensure your tail lights are on.

---

General Winter Driving Safety Tips

• Always BUCKLE UP.
• Slow down. Driving at reduced speeds is best practice, especially when on slippery roads and there is the potential of black ice.
• Watch for signs of black ice. Black ice makes the road look like shiny new asphalt. Pavement should look grey-white in winter.
• Avoid cruise control—you need full control in icy conditions.
• Allow extra stopping distance between yourself and the vehicle in front of you.
• Stay in the right-hand lane except for passing.
• Avoid sudden lane changes or jerky movements. Changing lanes too quickly, jerky movements while braking or accelerating, can cause skidding.
• Slow down when you see signs warning that you are approaching a bridge, especially when you see signs such as Slippery When Wet.

Additional Resources for You

• Snow and Ice, Federal Highway Administration
• Low visibility, Federal Highway Administration
• How Do Weather Events Impact Roads

---

HOW CAN WE HELP YOU?

NEED LEGAL ASSISTANCE?

If you or a loved one has been injured in a winter driving accident, contact the capable counsel you need now. Our experienced team is here to help. Call us today at (877) 284-6600 for a free, no-obligation case evaluation.

START YOUR FREE CASE EVALUATION TODAY

Stay Informed.

If you would like more safety tips and updates,  sign up to receive our email newsletter. Your email address will only be used to send you our newsletter and respond to inquiries.

SIGN UP FOR NEWSLETTER

---

Past results afford no guarantee of future results and each case is different and is judged on its own merits. The choice of a lawyer is an important decision and should not be based solely upon advertisements.

Editor’s Note: This post was originally published on November 11, 2019. It was reviewed and updated again on November  9, 2022. Last editing of content: December 5, 2025.

Photo Credits:

• anizza(SUNG KUK KIM) – Image File – via depositphotos.com
• OlafNaami(Olaf Naami) – Image File – via depositphotos.com