The best advice for driving in bad winter weather is not to drive at all, if you can avoid it.
Don't go out until the plows and sanding trucks have had a chance to do their work, and allow yourself extra time to
reach your destination.  If conditions.

It's helpful to practice winter driving techniques in a snowy, open parking lot, so you're familiar with how your car
handles. Consult your owner's manual for tips specific to your vehicle.

Driving safely on icy roads

  • Decrease your speed and leave yourself plenty of room to stop. You should allow at least three times more
    space than usual between you and the car in front of you.
  • Brake gently to avoid skidding. If your wheels start to lock up, ease off the brake.
  • Turn on your lights to increase your visibility to other motorists.
  • Keep your lights and windshield clean.
  • Use low gears to keep traction, especially on hills.
  • Don't use cruise control or overdrive on icy roads.
  • Be especially careful on bridges, overpasses and infrequently traveled roads, which will freeze first. Even at
    temperatures above freezing, if the conditions are wet, you might encounter ice in shady areas or on exposed
    roadways like bridges.
  • Don't pass snow plows and sanding trucks. The drivers have limited visibility, and you're likely to find the road in
    front of them worse than the road behind.
  • Don't assume your vehicle can handle all conditions. Even four-wheel and front-wheel drive vehicles can
    encounter trouble on winter roads.


Here are some additional tips from the National Safety Council

Winter Your Car and You
Safe Winter Driving Tips
Summit Fire District
Fire Departments don't succeed, people do.
Driving on Icy Roads
8905 N. Koch Field Road, Flagstaff, AZ 86004, 928-526-9537 Office, 928-526-2750 Fax, sfd@summitfiredepartment.org