For the most part, experts recommend not leaving home or driving around this weekend in the large swath of the U.S. expected to be impacted by a massive winter storm. If you have to venture out, make sure you do it safely.
Audacy has compiled this list of tips for safe driving under the dangerous and even life-threatening conditions. These include snowfalls of more than 12 inches expected across the Ohio Valley, Mid-Atlantic, and Northeast, “creating widespread travel disruptions,” and “widespread freezing rain and sleet are expected across the Southern Plains, the Lower Mississippi Valley, the Tennessee Valley, and the Southeast,” that could bring power outages, tree damage and “extremely dangerous or impassable travel conditions.”
In a Friday X post, the National Weather Service told people to “take this storm seriously, folks,” and warned of “hazardous to impossible driving conditions.”
“Avoid travel if at all possible,” it said. “Widespread closures and disruption to infrastructure may also occur.”
Another post also stressed that “travel during this major winter storm could be dangerous,” and urged people to stay home. “If you MUST travel, be prepared: Tell someone your route, check conditions, keep a full tank/charge, and ensure your emergency kit is on board,” it added.
Those who run into emergencies and have to get behind the wheel should make sure their vehicles are properly winterized before hitting the road ad cold temperatures can put stress on vehicle components and even cause them to break. According to State Farm, winterizing can help prevent breakdowns and accidents.
Here’s a checklist based on tips from State Farm, AAA, the Bureau of Automotive Repair and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration:
· Check that your car’s fluids such as engine oil, antifreeze and windshield washer fluid are at the correct levels for low temperatures
· Check that your brakes working
· Check that hoses and belts are working properly and that they don’t have cracks
· Check the battery strength on your vehicle – cold can cause batteries to drain faster
· Check your vehicle’s heater and defrosters since foggy windshields can be a safety risk
· Check your car tires
· Consider winter tires and tire chains to help in ice and snow
· Check your tire pressure, since tires can go low in the cold
· Inspect your wiper blades
· Change your oil and filter, since oil can thicken in cold temperatures (check your vehicle’s owner manual for the manufacturer’s recommendations on oil types for temperature changes)
· Check to make sure your gas tank is full and fill it as soon as possible if it’s not
· If you drive an electric car, make sure it is fully charged
· Clear exhaust pipes of snow
· Do not run car for long periods of time with the windows up in an enclosed space
· Do not use cruise control while driving on any slippery surface
· Look into rubberized floor mats in case of slush and make sure mats are properly installed to prevent accidents
· Make sure there is an emergency kit in your vehicle with the following: ice scraper, shovel, tow and tire chains, jack, jumper cables, car tool kit, flares or bright markers, battery-powered flashlights, extra batteries, warm clothing, blankets, cell phone and charger, first aid kit, non-perishable food and water, extra windshield wiper fluid, antifreeze, sand or cat litter for traction
“Whether it’s snow, sleet or ice, winter weather can cause extremely dangerous road conditions,” said the NHTSA. “In 2023 there were 320 fatal traffic crashes, and an estimated 22,293 injury crashes that occurred when there was snow/sleet conditions at the time of the crash. Preparing yourself – and your vehicle – for winter weather is key.”
According to AAA, “winter storms, bad weather and sloppy road conditions are a factor in nearly half a million crashes and more than 2,000 road deaths every winter.” It urges drivers to be as prepared and cautious and possible when going out in dangerous conditions.
Even after the storm is over, the NWS noted Saturday that “communities from the Southern Plains to the Northeast will contend with bitterly cold temperatures and dangerously cold wind chills,” that are expected to “cause prolonged hazardous travel and infrastructure impacts.”
State Farm recommends washing cars after snowstorms. It explained that road salt and grime from snowstorms can cause vehicle rusting and long-term damage.