The 8 worst mistakes people make while driving in the winter

Steven John

December 15, 2019 2:01 PM

AP Photo/Mark Duncan

Driving too fast for winter road conditions is the single biggest mistake you can make.

Driving in the winter presents challenges you won't face during other times of year.
Almost half of all weather-related crashes in the US take place in snowy, slushy, or icy conditions.
Be prepared to slow down, check your tire pressure regularly, and follow these other safety tips when you're on the road this winter.
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Driving during the winter means facing all the standard roadway hazards, from distracted drivers to blind curves and damaged roadways, with the potential for adverse conditions added in.

According to the US Department of Transportation , approximately 1.2 million weather-related car crashes occur in the United States each year. Of those accidents, 18% happen when snow or sleet is falling, 16% take place on roadways already covered with snow or slush, and 13% occur on icy pavement.

To stay safe while on the road in winter, you have to be ready to slow down, give more following space, and have increased situational awareness. Before you get on the road, you need to make sure your vehicle is ready for the winter conditions you may be facing.

Also, you need to allot extra time for your daily commute. Another DOT study found that light snowfall can reduce average driving speeds by up to 13%, while heavy snow can reduce speeds by as much as 40%.

To find out about the worst mistakes people make when driving during winter, we turned to the experts.

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