Winter Driving Winter Driving
Snowy Road

Slip Sliding Away…

Every year, more than half a million crashes take place in winter weather, resulting in more than 2,000 road deaths. Being prepared before you hit the road and staying vigilant on the road are keys to staying safe.

Last year, AAA responded to more than 1 million roadside assistance calls between December 21 and March 19 in the states in the AAA Northeast territory. Yet, over 40% of all drivers don’t keep emergency kits in their cars, and many don’t know what to do in case of an emergency.

What can you do?

A few steps will keep your vehicle safer for you and other drivers

  • Warm up your car in an open area. Never leave the garage door closed or in a confined space.
  • Keep your gas tank at least half full. Not only will you avoid potential lines at the station, but you’ll reduce the chances of a frozen gas line.
  • Clear all the snow from your car, including the roof, taillights, headlights and side mirrors. Snow and ice coming loose from moving cars can be hazardous to other drivers, and many states (including CT, MA, NJ and RI) will issue fines if your car isn’t cleared.

Driving in the snow can be dangerous, especially if your tires aren’t in tip-top condition. When driving in snowy or icy conditions, take extra care and watch your speed.

  • Drive slowly.
  • Accelerate and decelerate slowly. This will help your tires find a grip on the road.
  • Increase following distance to 5-6 seconds. You’ll need longer distances to stop.
  • Don’t stop if you can avoid it. If you can, try to roll along slowly until a traffic light changes rather than come to a complete stop and have to start up again.
  • Watch the hills. Applying the gas on snow covered roads makes your wheels spin. And don’t stop on a hill; you might not be able to get going again.

AAA recommends a few precautions to help keep you safe while you wait for assistance. 

  • Stay with your vehicle. It provides shelter and makes it easier for people to find you.
  • Be visible. Tie a brightly colored cloth to an antenna or at the top of a rolled-up window to signal distress.
  • Clear the exhaust pipe of snow, ice and mud.
  • Stay warm with anything you can find to insulate your body from the cold. Blankets and heavy clothing, newspapers or even floor mats can help.
  • Conserve fuel. If possible, only run the engine and heater long enough to remove the chill.

Baby it's Cold Outside!

At this time of year, children are bundled up in extra layers and puffy coats. However, there are safety concerns all parents should note before buckling up the little ones in car seats. It may appear that straps are snug and correctly attached, but extra layers can make a proper fit deceptive. AAA Northeast recommends securing your children in their car seats without their heavy jackets…strap the child in first, then cover him/her with their coat or extra blankets. 

Learn more in our short video, below!

Snowy Road

Safety First - Especially in winter!

Even if you’re planning just a short car trip, cold temperatures, slick road conditions and inclement weather always pose a risk. 
Make sure you’re prepared for any emergency by having the following items with you before you hit the road this winter:

  • Mobile phone pre-programmed with rescue apps and important phone numbers including family and emergency services
  • Mobile phone car charger
  • Drinking water or sports drinks
  • First-aid kit – including any necessary medication
  • Non-perishable food for humans and pets
  • Traction aids (sand, salt, non-clumping cat litter)
  • Snow shovel

  • Blankets
  • Extra warm clothing (gloves, boots, hats, scarves)
  • Flashlight with extra batteries
  • Extra window washer solvent
  • Ice scraper with brush
  • Cloth or roll of paper towels
  • Jumper cables
  • Warning devices (flares or triangles)
  • Basic toolkit (screwdrivers, pliers, adjustable wrench)

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