Winter Driving: Staying Safe on Cold, Icy Roads
Traction, following distance, and the right tires make all the difference when the roads turn cold. Here’s how to drive winter-smart.
Winter around Arlington can mean anything from cold, dry pavement to surprise ice and snow. Your tires are your only contact with the road — here’s how to give yourself the best chance of staying in control.
Traction starts with your tires
Below about 45°F, all-season tire rubber stiffens and grips less. Winter tires use softer compounds and siped tread that bite into snow and ice. If your commute regularly involves winter weather, dedicated winter tires are the single biggest safety upgrade you can make.
Drive smooth and slow
- Accelerate, brake, and steer gently — sudden inputs break traction.
- Double or triple your following distance on snow and ice.
- Look far ahead and anticipate stops so you can brake early and gently.
- Know your brakes — with ABS, press firmly and let the system pulse.
If you start to slide
Ease off the accelerator and steer where you want to go — don’t slam the brakes. For a rear-wheel skid, steer gently in the direction the rear is sliding. Stay calm; abrupt corrections usually make a slide worse.
Before you head out
- Clear all snow and ice from windows, lights, and the roof.
- Check tire pressure — it drops in the cold.
- Keep your gas tank at least half full.
- Pack a basic winter kit: scraper, blanket, flashlight, and phone charger.