5 Winter Driving Tips to Keep You Safe in Illinois

When the roads are caked in ice and snow, it’s always best to stay home. But what if you have to go out and trek through the storm?

Unfortunately, winter weather conditions often cause dangerous roads and highways. According to the National Highway Traffic and Safety Association (NHTSA), there were 440 fatal crashes and an estimated 33,000 injury crashes that happened in wintry conditions in 2019.

Top Illinois Winter Driving Tips

Here are 5 tips to follow to keep you and your family safe this year while driving in winter conditions:

#1: Slow down and increase your following distance.

It’s much harder to control or stop your vehicle in slippery conditions. To avoid a fender bender or running through a red light, drive well below the speed limit and increase your following distance.

#2: Keep a safe distance while sharing the road with a snow plow.

Don’t get too close to a snow plow on the road. They travel at a reduced speed, make wide turns, stop often, overlap lanes, and exit the road frequently. If you decide to pass a snow plow, use extreme caution.

#3: Keep your tank full.

The AAA recommends that drivers keep at least half a tank of fuel in their vehicles at all times during the winter. That way, you’re prepared if an emergency happens.

#4: Avoid using cruise control.

When driving on any slippery surface like ice or snow, you should avoid using cruise control. Accelerate and decelerate with caution, and always be ready to apply the brakes.

#5: Create your winter emergency kit and store it in your trunk.

Assembling an emergency preparedness kit for your vehicle is a must. You can keep it in your car or give it to a younger driver in your household. When you do have to face an emergency, you’ll be glad you have it. These emergency kits often include blankets, bottled drinking water, food, cell phone chargers, flashlights, first aid kits, basic car repair tools, and more.

But if you live in an area with freezing weather (like we do in the Windy City), you should be sure to have an additional winter preparedness kit for colder months.

If you’re going to venture out into a winter storm, preparing for an emergency is a must. What should you include?

Here are 5 things we recommend adding to your car emergency kit this winter:

1. Collapsible shovel.
2. Windshield scraper with a small broom.
3. Warm blankets or sleeping bag. Wool is best as it keeps you warm even if you get wet.
4. Warm hat, socks, and gloves. Include hand warmer packs for more protection against frostbite.
5. Lock defroster spray. Keep this spray in the glove compartment in case the trunk gets frozen shut with your preparedness kit inside.

Get Your Free Emergency Preparedness Book 

We highly recommend getting a copy of our book, Be Prepared: Your Guide to Common Roadside Emergencies & Safety. Want a copy to put in your glove compartment? All you have to do is text “PREPARED” to (312) 847-2428, and we’ll mail you a free copy – no questions asked.