As winter weather arrives across the United States, the National Weather Service (NWS), an agency of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), is intensifying its long-standing public safety message: Ice and Snow, Take It Slow.
Every year, treacherous winter road conditions claim more than 1,000 lives and cause over 100,000 injuries nationwide. The vast majority of these crashes can be prevented through awareness, preparation, and smarter driving habits.
“Winter driving isn’t just about the snow you can see—it’s about the ice you can’t,” said NWS Director Ken Graham. “A road that looks merely wet can be a sheet of black ice. Snow blowing off an uncleared roof can blind the driver behind you in an instant. Simple actions make the difference between getting home safely and becoming a statistic.”
Essential Winter Driving Reminders from the National Weather Service:
- Fully clear snow and ice from your vehicle before hitting the road. Flying debris from roofs, hoods, and windows continues to cause serious and sometimes fatal accidents.
- Slow down and disable cruise control. Even damp-looking pavement can hide slick spots, and cruise control reduces your ability to react quickly.
- Increase following distance significantly, especially behind snow plows and maintenance vehicles. Stopping distances can be ten times longer on ice and snow.
“Plan ahead, check the forecast at weather.gov, and give yourself extra time,” Director Graham emphasized. “Arriving late is always better than not arriving at all.”
Motorists are urged to visit weather.gov for real-time winter weather alerts, road condition updates, and additional safety resources. Follow your local NWS office on social media for the latest warnings and travel advice.
