How to Drive in Snow Safely to Avoid Accidents

The first snowfall in Buffalo transforms familiar roads into hazard zones. Within minutes, ice glazes the pavement, fog rolls in, and that routine drive to work becomes anything but routine. Braking too suddenly on ice, not enough distance from the car ahead, a patch of black ice you never saw coming. Any one of these can turn into a collision that changes everything.

And every winter, they do. Buffalo roads see a surge in weather-related crashes, and many involve drivers who simply weren’t ready for the conditions. Knowing how to drive safely in snow isn’t just good advice. It’s essential protection for you and everyone else on the road. Whether you’ve weathered dozens of Buffalo winters or you’re experiencing your first, understanding the risks and adjusting your driving could be the difference between arriving safely and facing disaster.

At O’Brien & Ford, we’ve seen how quickly a snow-covered road can alter the course of a life. That’s exactly why we’re committed to helping you stay safe long before an accident ever happens.

Preparing Before Driving in Snow

Safe winter driving starts long before you put the car in gear. Taking time to prepare your vehicle and plan your trip can prevent dangerous situations on the road. From checking conditions to clearing snow and ice, these small steps play a big role in avoiding accidents when the weather turns.

Check Road Conditions and Only Drive If Necessary

Avoid driving during snowstorms unless absolutely necessary. Staying off the road when conditions are poor is the most effective way to prevent an accident. Before heading out, check local news, traffic alerts, or weather apps for real-time updates on road closures, icy conditions, and storm warnings. Being informed allows you to make safer choices and avoid unnecessary risks.

Review Your Route Ahead of Time

Choose main roads and well-traveled highways whenever possible, as these are typically plowed and treated with salt more frequently. Avoid shortcuts or unfamiliar routes, especially narrow side streets, rural areas, or steep hills that may not be cleared promptly. Planning your route ahead of time also helps you manage travel expectations and reduces the urge to rush.

Remove Snow and Ice From Your Car

Before driving, clear all snow and ice from your windshield, roof, mirrors, lights, and windows. Snow left on your vehicle can fly off, obstructing visibility for others or causing a hazard. The New York State Department of Transportation emphasizes that good visibility starts with removing snow and ice completely. Taking a few extra minutes can make your drive much safer.

Warm Up the Engine Before Driving

In freezing conditions, warming your engine helps maintain oil flow and prevents sudden jerks from a cold transmission. Start your car a few minutes early and let it idle in a well-ventilated area, ensuring your defroster clears your windows and the cabin warms safely. Never warm up your vehicle in an enclosed garage.

Install or Switch to Winter Tires

Winter tires offer better traction than all-season tires. In regions like Buffalo, where snow and black ice are frequent, having proper snow tires can drastically reduce stopping distance. They’re also more effective at maintaining control on slush and icy surfaces. If you haven’t made the switch, now is the time.

How to Drive Safely in Snowy Conditions

Transportation-related accidents are by far the leading cause of injury and death during winter storms, far outpacing other weather-related dangers, according to the New York State Winter Safety Guide. While preparation and vehicle maintenance are important, knowing how to drive in snow safely once you’re on icy roads is just as critical to avoiding serious collisions.

Drive Slowly and Maintain Steady Control

Reduce your speed and drive with steady control. Sudden steering, braking, or accelerating can cause you to lose traction. Make turns gradually and avoid abrupt movements. Posted speed limits are meant for ideal conditions. In snow or ice, it’s safer to slow down, increase following distance, and use smooth, gentle inputs for all driving actions.

Increase Following Distance From Other Vehicles

On dry pavement, a three-second following distance may suffice. In snowy or icy conditions, increase that to at least six to ten seconds. This extra space allows you to stop more gradually and reduces your chance of rear-ending another vehicle if they brake unexpectedly.

Stay Alert and Minimize Distractions

Keep both hands on the wheel and your full attention on the road. While this may seem fundamental, distractions prove particularly dangerous in winter conditions. Avoid phone use, eating, or adjusting vehicle controls. Remain vigilant for pedestrians, reduced visibility around snowbanks, or black ice ahead. A single moment of inattention in snow can result in a serious collision.

Use Headlights to Improve Visibility

Even during the day, keep your headlights on in snowy or foggy conditions. This makes your vehicle more visible to others and helps you see the road clearly. Make sure your lights are clean and free of snow or slush before starting your trip.

Pump the Brakes When Skidding

If your vehicle begins to skid, stay calm, ease off the gas, and steer gently in the direction you want to go. Pump the brakes lightly if you don’t have ABS. If you do, apply steady pressure. Avoid slamming the brakes, as this can cause you to lose control.

Avoid Using Cruise Control in Snow

Cruise control can be deadly in snowy or icy conditions. When your tires lose traction, the cruise control might cause your vehicle to accelerate unexpectedly. Always drive manually in winter conditions, so you can react instantly to changes in traction.

Common Types of Negligent Winter Weather Accidents

Certain types of crashes become more likely when drivers fail to adjust for snow, ice, or limited visibility. These accidents are often the result of negligence and may justify legal action:

• Rear-End Collisions: Often caused by following too closely or braking too late on icy roads. These crashes frequently happen at intersections or stop signs when drivers don’t allow enough stopping distance.
• Multi-Car Pileups: Common on highways during whiteouts or heavy snowfall. One crash can trigger a chain reaction, especially when drivers are speeding or unable to stop in time.
• Intersection Accidents: Slippery intersections are hazardous when drivers misjudge stopping distances or try to beat red lights. Even cautious drivers may be struck by someone sliding through an icy crossroad.
• Lane-Change Collisions: Unsafe lane changes without signaling or adjusting speed can lead to side-impact crashes. Snowy roads reduce control, and even minor overcorrections can cause a vehicle to spin or veer unexpectedly.

If you’ve been injured in a winter weather accident caused by another driver’s failure to adjust for conditions, you may have grounds for a personal injury claim.

Liability Issues in Winter Weather Accidents in New York

In New York, liability in car accidents, including winter crashes, is governed by comparative negligence law. Multiple parties may share responsibility based on how their actions contributed to the accident.

For example, if another driver rear-ended you because they didn’t adjust their speed for road conditions, they could be held liable, even if it was snowing. Failing to clear snow off a car’s roof or windshield could also support a negligence claim if it caused injuries.

Several legal principles apply in these cases. Weather is not an excuse for negligence; drivers must adjust their behavior to conditions. Poor vehicle maintenance, like using bald tires, can factor into liability. Evidence from the scene, such as photos, dash cam footage, or police reports, plays a key role in determining fault.

Even if you’re partially at fault, you may still recover damages. New York’s comparative fault rule reduces your compensation by your percentage of responsibility but doesn’t eliminate i

Chris O’Brien

Chris O’Brien is a nationally recognized personal injury attorney with over 30 years of experience fighting for accident victims in Western New York. A founding partner at O’Brien & Ford, he has helped recover millions for clients and built a reputation as a top trial lawyer and educator. Chris is a Diplomate of the National College of Advocacy, a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, and was named one of Western New York’s Top Ten Lawyers by Buffalo Business First. He lives in Amherst with his family and their Bernedoodle, Moose.

Years of experience: 33 years
Practice areas: Personal Injury Law, Car Accidents
Location: Buffalo, New York