How to avoid accidents in winter: common mistakes made by drivers

In winter, roads become a real test for drivers: traction is worse, braking distances are longer, and any mistakes can result in an accident. But most winter accidents can be prevented if you understand the key risks and prepare properly for your journey. In this article, we look at the main mistakes, tips from instructors, and real-life hacks for safe driving. Learn how to avoid accidents in winter and protect yourself on the road

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Winter driving is always a challenge. Snow, ice, poor visibility, sudden temperature changes and roads that are not always cleared significantly increase the risk of accidents. Most winter accidents are not caused by the weather, but by driver error. Let's take a look at the key mistakes and give some practical advice to help you get through the winter season safely.

Mistake #1 — Overestimating your skills

Many people are confident that if they have four-wheel drive, ABS and studded tyres, their car will ‘take care of itself’. In reality, no amount of electronics can override the laws of physics. A car can still lose traction, skid or increase its braking distance.

Tip: drive more cautiously than you think is necessary. In winter, it is safer to be ‘too cautious’ than too bold.

Mistake #2 — high speed and sharp manoeuvres

On winter roads, the braking distance increases by 2–4 times. Sudden braking, jerking the steering wheel and accelerating are the main causes of skidding and collisions.

What to do correctly:

— smooth acceleration;

— braking in advance, from a greater distance;

— turns — without jerking;

— a safe distance of at least x2 from the summer distance.

Mistake #3 — wrong tyres or poor tyre condition

Summer tyres in winter mean virtually no traction. Bald winter tyres are just as dangerous.

Recommendations:

— use only winter tyres;

— monitor the tread depth (at least 4 mm);

— do not skimp on safety.

Mistake #4 — incorrect tyre pressure

A very useful but often overlooked point. Pressure directly affects traction.

Driving instructors explain that slightly lower pressure improves the contact between the rubber and the surface, as the tyre ‘spreads out’, fits more tightly to the road and grips snow or loose soil better. If the pressure is too high, the wheels literally ‘bounce’, losing traction.

But it is important to exercise moderation — too low pressure can damage the tyre or wheel.

Tips from experts:

— carry a pump or compressor with you;

— use a pressure gauge and check the pressure periodically;

— adjust the pressure depending on the situation;

— avoid driving in heavy ice if possible.

Mistake #5 — driving in automatic mode as in summer

On a slippery road, an automatic transmission can shift too abruptly.

Better:

— start smoothly;

— use manual mode if possible;

— in difficult conditions, drive in low gear with a manual transmission.

Mistake #6 — Incorrect braking

Many people continue to ‘stand on the brakes’ until the last moment, causing the car to skid.

Correct:

— Brake with the engine.

— With ABS — press confidently and hold.

— Without ABS — intermittent braking, ‘rocking’.

Mistake #7 — poor vehicle preparation

Some accidents happen due to simple negligence: poorly cleaned windows, non-working lights, old windscreen washer fluid, worn wiper blades.

Check before winter:

— lights;

— brakes;

— battery;

— heating system;

— ‘winter’ windscreen washer fluid;

— windscreen wiper blades.

Mistake #8 — lack of a winter kit in the car

If you get stuck in the snow, help may not arrive immediately.

It is useful to have:

— a shovel;

— a tow rope;

— gloves;

— a warm blanket;

— a torch;

— a power bank;

— some sand or special mats for traction.

How to get out of the snow if you are stuck

— slightly reduce the pressure in the tyres (but not too much);

— do not accelerate sharply — only smoothly;

— rock the car back and forth;

— use mats or boards under the wheels;

— if that doesn't work, it's better to wait for help than to burn out the transmission.

Reminder! Ukraine is discussing a new format for vehicle inspections, which could change the usual rules for drivers and increase attention to the technical condition of vehicles while driving. Experts are already warning about the possible risks, controversial checks and consequences for motorists. Find out what roadside technical inspections could lead to, how they are planned to work and why the initiative has sparked debate.