Winter Driving 101: Life-Saving Tips from Southern Indiana Firefighters

Winter weather in Southern Indiana can make driving daunting. For those less-than-thrilled about snowy and icy roads, the McCutchanville Fire Department shares practical tips to keep everyone safe.

How to Drive Safely in Snow and Ice: Winter Tips from McCutchanville Fire Department

Stay Home if You Can

The best advice? Don’t drive unless absolutely necessary. Even if you're confident behind the wheel, it's not worth risking your safety—or others'—when conditions are dangerous.

Slow and Steady Wins the Race

Winter roads demand patience. Adjust your speed to account for slippery surfaces, and don’t rush to accelerate or stop. Gentle pressure on the gas and brake pedals helps maintain traction and prevents skidding.

 Increase Your Following Distance

Icy roads mean longer stopping times. Keep a five-to-six-second gap between your car and the one in front of you to give yourself plenty of room to react.

Avoid Full Stops When Possible

Starting from a full stop on snow or ice can be tricky. If you can roll slowly through a traffic light while it changes, you’ll have an easier time maintaining control.

️ Conquer Hills with Caution

Hills are especially challenging in winter. Build some momentum on flat ground before ascending, and never stop on an incline. Use slow, steady speeds to safely make it up and down.

Read More: City of Evansville Announces Winter Storm Debris Disposal Site

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Know Your Drive Type: RWD, FWD, and 4x4

• Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD): These vehicles often struggle in snow because the drive wheels are in the back, where there’s less weight. Adding sandbags or other weight to the trunk can improve traction.
• Front-Wheel Drive (FWD): Better for snow than RWD because the engine's weight is over the drive wheels, helping improve grip. Still, they can lose traction on steep inclines or icy patches.
• Four-Wheel Drive (4x4): Ideal for snowy and icy conditions, as power is distributed to all four wheels. However, don’t let overconfidence in a 4x4 lead you to drive too fast—4x4 improves traction but won’t help you stop faster.