How Should Drivers Drive Safely on Snow and Ice?

Snow and ice can make a familiar roadway unpredictable. Tires may lose grip during acceleration, braking or a turn, even when a road looks merely wet. Winter driving begins with deciding whether the trip is necessary and preparing the vehicle for the conditions.

Quick answer: On snow or ice, slow down significantly, increase following distance, and accelerate, steer and brake gently. Avoid cruise control and unnecessary lane changes. Watch for black ice on bridges, overpasses and shaded sections; maintain good tires and clear every window before leaving. If roads are unsafe or a storm is severe, delay the trip when possible.

Why do snow and ice change vehicle handling?

Snow and ice reduce the tire friction used for steering, braking and acceleration. A vehicle may begin moving normally but take far longer to stop, especially on a downhill section. Melting and refreezing can create deceptively slippery patches alongside bare pavement. Having all-wheel drive or four-wheel drive does not make the brakes more effective on ice.

  • Lower traction: Allow substantially more time and distance to stop.
  • Black ice: Look for apparently wet patches where water may have refrozen.
  • Bridges and shade: These surfaces may freeze sooner or remain icy longer.
  • Snow-covered markings: Road boundaries, curbs and lane lines may be hidden.
  • Limited visibility: Falling snow, glare and blowing snow can conceal obstacles.
  • Winter equipment: Good tires, functioning wipers and defrosters support safer travel.

Six steps for safer winter driving

  1. Review weather and road conditions. Check official forecasts, closures, traction restrictions and travel advisories before departing.
  2. Prepare the vehicle. Clear snow and ice from all windows, lights, mirrors and the roof; check tire inflation, tread and winter supplies.
  3. Reduce speed early. Slow well before curves, intersections, hill crests and areas where pavement may be frozen.
  4. Extend following distance. Give yourself substantially more stopping room than you would need on dry pavement.
  5. Make every control input smooth. Avoid sudden acceleration, hard braking, sharp steering and cruise control on slippery roads.
  6. Postpone or stop the trip when necessary. If traction or visibility is too poor, seek a safe parking area and wait for conditions to improve.

How much following distance is enough on snow and ice?

The ordinary dry-road following interval may be inadequate in winter weather. The National Safety Council recommends increasing following distance to roughly eight to ten seconds on slippery roads, and more may be necessary in severe conditions. Measure the interval between the vehicle ahead passing a fixed point and your vehicle reaching it. If you cannot stop comfortably within the space available, slow down and leave more room. See our safe following-distance guide.

What is black ice, and where should you expect it?

Black ice is a thin, difficult-to-see layer of frozen water that can resemble ordinary wet pavement. It often appears on bridges, overpasses, shaded stretches, near intersections or where melting snow refreezes after temperatures drop. Do not wait until the vehicle slips before reducing speed. Approach suspected icy sections with minimal steering and braking.

How should you accelerate and brake on slippery pavement?

Apply the accelerator gently to reduce wheelspin and begin slowing well before a stop. Avoid combining sharp turning and hard braking. If you need to brake urgently and your vehicle has anti-lock brakes (ABS), press firmly and continuously on the brake pedal while steering; pedal pulsation may be normal. Vehicles without ABS require different braking techniques described in their owner's manuals and driver training materials. Never assume ABS can overcome a lack of traction.

What should you do if your vehicle starts to skid?

Stay focused on the direction you want the vehicle to travel. Ease off the accelerator and avoid abrupt steering or panic braking. Steer smoothly toward your intended path while allowing the tires to regain grip. If an obstacle makes emergency braking necessary, use the braking procedure appropriate for your vehicle's ABS system. Once control returns, reduce speed further and consider leaving the roadway at a safe location.

Are four-wheel drive and all-wheel drive enough for snow?

No. They may help a vehicle accelerate on some slippery surfaces but do not eliminate the physics of stopping or turning. Winter-rated tires can improve grip in suitable conditions, while chains or traction devices may be required on particular roads. Follow vehicle manufacturer instructions and posted traction laws; no equipment makes icy driving risk-free.

What should you do around snowplows?

Give snowplows extra following and side space. They may move slowly, stop unexpectedly, overlap lanes or throw snow that temporarily blocks visibility. Avoid lingering beside a plow and obey all passing restrictions and official signs. A plow may be clearing the only usable lane, so patience is safer than passing blindly.

When should you stay home instead of driving?

Consider postponing travel when freezing rain, heavy snow, road closures, or very poor visibility are expected. New drivers should not practice in dangerous winter conditions. If you must travel, carry suitable emergency supplies, tell someone your route and expected arrival, and keep enough fuel or battery charge for delays. If stranded, follow NHTSA winter emergency guidance, including keeping the exhaust pipe clear of snow to reduce carbon monoxide risk.

Build Safer Winter Driving Habits

National Driver Training helps drivers develop observation, hazard recognition and vehicle control skills for changing roadway conditions. Explore the driver education programs available for your state.

Explore NDT Driver Education Programs

Frequently asked questions about driving on snow and ice

How much should you slow down on snow or ice?

There is no single safe speed for every winter roadway. Reduce your speed enough to maintain control and stop within the visible clear distance, even when that is well below the posted speed limit.

How much following distance is needed in snowy or icy weather?

Leave substantially more room than on dry pavement. Some safety organizations recommend roughly eight to ten seconds on slippery roads; increase it further if ice, traffic or visibility demands.

What is black ice and where is it most common?

Black ice is a thin, hard-to-see layer of ice that can look like wet pavement. It often forms on bridges, overpasses, shaded roads and places that refreeze after daytime melting.

Should you use cruise control on icy roads?

No. Avoid cruise control when snow, ice or other slippery conditions could reduce tire grip. Control acceleration and speed manually and smoothly.

What should you do if your car starts to skid?

Ease off the accelerator, look where you want to go and steer smoothly in that direction. Avoid abrupt steering or braking; respond appropriately if you need emergency braking with ABS.

Does all-wheel drive or four-wheel drive make stopping easier on ice?

No. Extra driven wheels can improve the ability to start moving, but they do not eliminate low traction or shorten braking distance on ice. Slow down and maintain extra room.

Related driving knowledge guides

Official sources and further reading

Reviewed October 29, 2026. This guide expands general NDT vehicle-control principles with winter-driving guidance from the listed safety authorities; follow current local restrictions and road advisories.