Winter in Oklahoma can turn roads into icy, unpredictable paths, which can make every trip a little more dangerous. When snow and ice blanket the highways, the safest option is to stay home and wait for conditions to improve. But life doesn’t always let us stay put. If you have to drive, the Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT) has helpful winter driving tips to keep you safe on those slippery roads and avoid a potential car accident.
What are the best winter driving tips for Oklahoma drivers?
To make your winter travels as safe as possible, consider following these valuable driving tips:
Prepare in advance
Safe winter driving starts long before you pull out of the driveway. Take a few extra minutes to check road conditions. ODOT’s live road condition map offers real-time updates on traffic, road closures, and travel times. For more detailed maps, okroads.org is a great resource.
Pay close attention to bridges and ramps as they freeze faster than regular roads. Early mornings and late evenings are especially tricky when temperatures drop and ice forms. Black ice (which is almost invisible) can be deadly. Slow down and stay alert, especially on elevated surfaces.
Slow down and stay alert
Driving in winter weather means slowing down and staying focused. If you need to be somewhere at a certain time, leave earlier to give yourself plenty of time. Speeding or rushing only increases the risk of a collision when roads are slick. Keep a safe distance between your car and others, which is at least three to five car lengths. Snow and ice make it harder to stop, so giving yourself extra space can help avoid collisions. Avoid making sudden moves with your steering wheel, gas pedal, or brakes.
If your vehicle starts to slide, don’t panic. Steer gently in the same direction as the skid and ease off the gas and brakes. Let your tires regain grip naturally. Also, skip the cruise control in winter weather, as it can make it harder to react when you need to. Lastly, keep your headlights on, even during the day. It helps other drivers see you, especially in snowy or foggy conditions.
If you get stranded, stay safe
Even with the best planning, winter storms can still catch you off guard. If you get stranded, staying calm and safe is key. Move your car out of the main lanes if you can and park downwind from your vehicle’s exhaust. Stay inside with the doors locked, and turn on your hazard lights to make it easier for rescuers or passersby to spot you.
Also, run your engine in short bursts to stay warm, but crack a window slightly to prevent carbon monoxide buildup. Check that snow or ice isn’t blocking your tailpipe. If your car comes into contact with a power line, stay put; don’t touch the car or the power line. If you must leave the car, jump out and land with both feet together, then roll away to avoid touching the car and ground at the same time.
Pack a winter emergency kit
An emergency kit can be a lifesaver when winter weather leaves you stuck. Keep these items in your car:
- Ice scraper or deicing spray
- Flashlights with extra batteries
- Warm clothing, gloves, and blankets
- Extra food and snacks
- Jumper cables
- Clay-based cat litter or sand (for traction)
- Shovel
- First aid kit
- Flares or reflective triangles to warn other drivers
- Bright fabric to tie to your antenna for visibility
- Paper towels
- Bottled water
Give snowplows plenty of space
Snowplows and salt trucks work hard to clear the roads, but they need room to do their jobs. Never pass snowplows or road-clearing equipment. Stay at least 200 feet behind them. Let the crews finish clearing bridges and overpasses before you drive over them. Following too closely or passing too soon puts you at risk of sliding on untreated surfaces.
What should I do if I'm involved in a collision?
Following these winter driving tips can help you stay safe and reduce your chances of being involved in a car accident. However, they don't 100% guarantee you won't be involved in a crash. You can't always predict or prevent the actions of other drivers. If someone else's negligence causes your car accident, you have the right to pursue justice and fair compensation. However, getting compensation isn't always easy. Drivers may deny any wrongdoing, and insurance companies may attempt to reduce or deny your settlement. That's where the experienced Oklahoma attorneys at Lawter & Associates come in.
We have over 40 years of experience helping crash victims across Oklahoma City, Tulsa, and statewide recover the compensation they deserve. Our law firm can thoroughly investigate your winter car accident to establish liability and negotiate with insurance companies for the maximum compensation you deserve. If the insurance companies refuse to pay, we're ready to take your case to trial and fight for a verdict that covers all of your losses.
You shouldn’t have to worry about legal fees when seeking justice. That’s why we offer a free consultation and work on a contingency fee basis; you pay nothing unless we win your case. To get started, contact us online or call one of our Oklahoma law offices today to set up a free, no-obligation legal consultation.
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