A late December snowstorm to end 2024 may have made for a beautifully white Christmas, but it certainly didn’t do Minnesota drivers any good! Our state saw a widespread storm, carrying around six inches of snow on average, and while it may be nice to look at, driving in winter weather requires a bit more preparation and concentration. 

According to the Minnesota State Patrol, a reported 453 crashes happened across the state on Thursday, December 19 alone. Additionally, there were 38 injury crashes, 281 vehicles off the road, 37 jackknifed semis, and 28 spinouts. That is one messy day on the Minnesota roads!

Whether this is your first winter on the road, or you’re an “old pro,” it is always smart to review a refresher on winter driving tips. Let’s dig into some practical tips. 

Prepare New Drivers for the Winter Roads

One of the most important tips for driving safely in the winter is to practice. Many new drivers, especially teens, have not had a chance to get behind the wheel in the snow yet. If your teen got their license this year, this may be the first winter season when they’re driving on their own. 

Review the safety precautions that are required. If possible, find an empty lot to practice in the snow before they try it alone. It’s important for teens to feel how coasting on ice, spinning your wheels in snow slush, or sliding around a curve may feel. Remind them not to panic and not to slam on brakes, as both can cause more disasters. Having even a day of practice in poor winter weather can prepare new drivers for the “real” roads.

Be Prepared for Anything

The Boy Scouts of America always say to “be prepared,” and winter driving is one of those times that they were very right. All of the preventative safety in the world can’t prevent 100 percent of crashes. Accidents happen, and even if you were somehow a perfect driver (that doesn’t exist, by the way) you have countless other drivers all around you at all times. You never know how well they drive in winter weather.

Plan ahead if you’ll be driving on wintry roads. Pack an emergency car kit and leave it in your trunk all season long. Include some nonperishable snacks, water bottles, warm clothes, a blanket, a phone charger/bank, and winter boots if necessary. Consider adding a first-aid kit, jumper cables, and bright roadside cones or flares. Be sure you always have a snow brush with an ice scraper so you’re able to clear your car completely before hitting the road.

Taking a few moments to run a mental checklist through your head can also go a long way to be sure you stay safe this winter. Do you have windshield wiper fluid? Have your wipers been functioning properly? Are all lights operational? Are all windows and lights cleared from ice and snow? Take a moment before you rev that engine to be sure these small tasks done now don’t become big problems later.

Adjust Your Own Driving

Remember to be at your most focused when driving in the winter. Don’t let distractions, such as a cell phone or eating in your car, cause accidents. You also may want to remember to:

• Keep a larger distance between your car and anyone in front of you.
• Spin into a skid should you begin to slide.
• Don’t use cruise control or other automated driving features on winter roads.
• Change speeds slowly, avoiding sharp braking or jolted gassing.
• Take your time! Lower speeds provide greater reaction time.

Just a few small adjustments to your “usual” habits can make a big difference, giving you more time to notice issues, more space to slow down or stop your car, and react in smart, sensible ways no matter the conditions. 

When All Else Fails, Avoid It

This may sound silly, but if the weather has you worried, you are unsure about road conditions, and/or you are not comfortable driving in snow, there is a simple solution: don’t! If your plans are flexible, consider not going if the weather turns too wintry for your comfort. If you can stay home, take the day off work, and keep your kids home when the words are treacherous, that is a privilege to enjoy. 

Sometimes the roads just aren’t meant for driving, and you can stay safer at home!