NHTSA Press Release
Kansas City, MO — Winter brings unique challenges for vehicles and drivers. To ensure motorists stay safe this season, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Region 7, which includes Arkansas, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, and Nebraska, reminds drivers that Safe Cars Save Lives with vehicle preparation and safe driving.
“We see so many crashes and stranded vehicles every time we get winter weather,” said NHTSA Regional Administrator Susan DeCourcy. “Most of these unfortunate incidents could have been avoided with just a little vehicle preparation and slowing down.”
While there are many reasons your vehicle may or may not be ready to be driven in winter weather, the driver’s decisions can have just as large an impact on whether they reach their destination safely. Here are some tips for vehicle preparation and driving safely:
Winter Vehicle Preparation
Tires: The age, tread, and pressure of your tires are crucial for winter driving. Check your tires at least once a month and make sure to check the pressure when they’re cold.
Windshield Wipers: Safe winter driving depends on achieving and maintaining the best visibility possible, so make sure your windshield wipers work and replace worn blades. It’s also recommended to completely fill your vehicle’s windshield washer fluid reservoir before the first snow hits.
Car Seats: In cold weather, parents often dress their children in bulky winter clothes. These garments can interfere with the car seat harnesses, rendering them less effective in a crash. It’s recommended to harness children first and then place blankets or coats over them.
Floor Mats: Improperly installed floor mats in your vehicle may interfere with the operation of the accelerator or brake pedal, increasing the risk of a crash. The ice and snow create further opportunity for interference. Be sure that your floor mats are the correct size and fit for your vehicle, and that they are installed properly.
Batteries: Motor vehicles require more power to start in winter, and electric/hybrid vehicles will have reduced driving range. It’s recommended to have a mechanic check your battery, charging system, and belts for any repairs or replacements needed. Electric/hybrid drivers should also plan for a lower driving range on long trips.
Winter Driving Safety
Slow Down: During winter precipitation, the most important thing to do is slow down. Since 2022, an estimated 153,620 vehicle crashes have occurred in snow and sleet conditions. This number doesn’t include the total number of car crashes where a police report wasn’t generated.
Buckle Up: Always remember to wear your seatbelt. It’s been proven to save lives, and in most states, it’s the law.
Stay Sober and Alert: Driving distracted, fatigued, or while intoxicated is especially dangerous on hazardous roads.
Move Over for Emergency Vehicles: All 50 states have “Move Over” laws to protect law enforcement officers and other first responders stopped on roadways, but one-third of Americans are not aware of these laws. When a vehicle with flashing lights is stopped on or next to a roadway, drivers approaching the vehicle should change into a lane not immediately adjacent to the vehicle, or slow down to a reasonable speed if unable to safely make a lane change.
Avoid Snowplows: A driving technique commonly used by motorists in the winter is to travel behind a snowplow. This is dangerous, as snowplows travel slowly, make wide turns, stop often, overlap lanes, and exit the road frequently. If you find yourself behind a snowplow, maintain a safe distance and only pass when it is safe.
For more winter vehicle preparation information, please visit https://www.nhtsa.gov/winter-driving-tips.
