Sneaky Winter Hazards Safety Tips - #WeatherReady

The Winter season brings many weather events that can "sneak" up on you.

These are weather hazards that cause big impacts and make travel difficult without making big news. See our safety tips below to keep yourself safe. Please share the post with your family and friends. You may download and share by clicking the download link under each infographic. You must also see our Severe Weather & Winter Safety products!

First Snow

While lots of snow in the middle of winter can certainly cause dangerous travel conditions, many times it’s the first little bit of snow of the season that can cause accidents. Be extra careful as you and other drivers adjust to driving in poor conditions. Slow down, don’t use cruise control, and keep your distance from other vehicles. Don’t let the first snow sneak up on you!

Dense Fog

Visibility can change quickly in fog, creating hazardous driving conditions. Slow down, use your low-beam headlights, and leave plenty of distance between you and other vehicles. Don’t let fog sneak up on you!

Sun Glare

Even on a nice winter day, the low sun angle can make driving hazardous. Freshly fallen snow can add more glare to your drive. Have a pair of sunglasses on hand, slow down, and leave plenty of distance between you and other vehicles. Don’t let sun glare sneak up on you!

Rain with a Temperature Near Freezing

Rain may seem like less of a winter driving hazard than snow, but when temperatures are near freezing, that’s not the case. Ice can form quickly and make roads slick. In these conditions, slow down, don’t use cruise control, and keep plenty of distance between you and other vehicles. Don’t let this winter hazard sneak up on you!

Snow Squalls

Snow squalls are short, intense bursts of snow and wind that can catch people off-guard. They can reduce visibility and cause dangerous travel conditions. If possible, avoid or delay travel until the squall passes. If you’re caught in one, slow down, turn on your headlights and hazard lights, and try to exit the road. Don’t let snow squalls sneak up on you!

Freezing Drizzle

When surface temperatures are below freezing, drizzle will form a thin layer of ice on the roads. This difficult-to-see ice can cause very dangerous travel conditions. When it’s drizzling in the winter, slow down, don’t use cruise control, and keep your distance from other vehicles. Don’t let freezing drizzle sneak up on you!

Flash Freeze

Even when it’s not precipitating, wet roads can quickly turn icy as temperatures dip below freezing. These unexpected slippery conditions can make driving hazardous. When roads look wet in the winter, stay cautious, slow down, and don’t use cruise control. Don’t let flash freezes sneak up on you!

Rain After a Long Dry Stretch

You wouldn’t think a little bit of rain could make the roads slippery, but after a long dry stretch, it can happen. This is because oil and debris accumulate on the road during the dry period. Once the rain starts falling, roads become slick. Slow down in these situations. This is one of those hazards that can sneak up on you!