There are few things more terrifying on the road than driving in a severe snowstorm or blizzard-like conditions. Are you prepared for the upcoming winter?

Poor visibility, icy roads, and frigid temperatures pose hazards for commuters and travelers as they slog their way down treacherous roads and highways.

Winter has arrived – with a vengeance. In Central New York, snowfall rates hit nearly 1 inch per hour as winter storm Damon pounded the area threatening to leave up to 10-14 inches of snow. In November, Buffalo got slammed with a whopping 88 inches of snow that shattered previous snowfall records.

For those who live in snow regions, living with nor’easters and blizzards are just par for the course. Snow means skiing, sledding, and winter beauty but it’s also a very tough time for drivers and travelers.

Not surprisingly, the first few storms carry the most risk due to motorists’ atrophied winter-driving skills. An American Public Health Association (APHA) study into crash records from 1975 to 2000 reveals that non-fatal and property-damage accidents increase in snowy conditions. During this period, poor weather-related driving conditions resulted in about 7,000 fatalities and 800,000 injuries.

Fortunately, the number of accidents and injuries do taper off after the first few storms as people apparently relearn the skills necessary to trek through (or avoid) dangerous roadways, according to the APHA report.

So far 2014 has been a difficult year for storm-related auto accidents. Verisk’s Insurance Services Office reports 42 states saw a big increase in auto insurance claims in the first quarter of 2014 compared to previous years. The Midwest was hard hit with collision claims rising more than 20 percent.

Across the border in Pennsylvania, State Police Trooper Adam Reed said the winter of 2014-2015 has already brought some snow and subsequent tough driving conditions to the Harrisburg and Erie area. Most snow-related accidents could be avoided if people took their time. He also supported the data showing an increase in accidents during the first few storms.

“I think the majority of people are prepared but it does take the first one, two, or three snowfalls before people get acclimated to driving in bad conditions,” Trooper Reed told InsuraMatch.

His advice?

“First and foremost, watch your speed,” Reed added.  “Reduce your speed whenever you’re going to drive in bad weather. That’s the number one reason people get into accidents.”

Here are some additional tips before taking to the road:

  • Check with local media or authorities to get the latest forecast and road conditions to know whether you can beat the storm, or at least the conditions you'll be grappling with.
  • If you're driving in bad conditions, make sure your cellphone is fully charged and that people know what time you left and your expected route.
  • Tell a friend or family member that you will check in by a certain time so they can try to reach you or alert authorities if you don't arrive.
  • If driving in areas without businesses or available help, make sure you fully stock up on emergency supplies, including some food, water, flashlight, warm clothes, hand and feet warmers, and blankets.
  • Fill your gas tank before leaving on a trip.
  • Use your headlights.
  • Winterize your car for the season, including anti-freeze levels, anti-freeze washer fluid, winter wiper blades, check your battery, scrapers, and make sure your all season tires still have good treads. Better yet, purchase winter snow tires or chains (which are only legal in some areas).
  • Include a flashlight with extra batteries, a shovel, bag of sand, and road flares in your emergency kit in case you break down.
  • Drive slow and give plenty of room to the vehicle in front of you. Follow in the tire trail left behind by other vehicles whenever possible.
  • If your car breaks down but still runs, be sure to keep plenty of clearance around your exhaust pipe to reduce the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
  • Stop periodically and clear windows of snow and ice.
  • If you begin to lose control on an icy road, steer into the direction of the skid to gain traction and then slowly turn back in the direction you'd like to go.
  • Gently apply brakes and gently turn your steering wheel whenever possible.
  • Drive carefully over bridges and on/off ramps. These are usually the first areas to freeze.

Some additional tips from AAA:

Ronald Agrella is executive editor of InsuraMatch.com. Follow @RonAgrella and @InsuraMatch for the latest news and updates.

Sources used in this story:

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