Winter storm could have you driving in the snow again. These tips can help keep you safe.

 

It's been nearly two years since major cities in the Northeast have seen heavy snowfall (except for the Christmas Buffalo blizzard of 2022), but with a fierce storm expected to hit the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast this weekend, the situation may soon change. Can only change.

It may not be the polar vortex, but snow and sleet are possible in New York City on Saturday and Sunday, according to the local weather service station. Similarly, heavy snow is also expected in Philadelphia, Boston and parts of the Mid-Atlantic, Northeast and New England states.

Even for the most experienced northerners, driving in the snow can be challenging, especially if you've been out of practice for a few years.

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), more people die each year in weather-related car accidents than other major weather events such as tornadoes, heat, storms, lightning or floods.

Based on data collected between 2007 and 2016, 5.8 out of 1.2 million car crashes that occur each year in the US are caused by poor weather conditions. An average of 5,376 people die annually in these weather-related accidents.

Although it is best to avoid traveling when conditions worsen, most people do not have this option in their daily lives. The next best thing? Make sure you are prepared and know how to drive safely in the snow.

Snow likely in eastern US this weekend: Latest winter weather forecast update

USA TODAY spoke to Bill Van Tassel, manager of driver training programs at AAA and an educator of driving teachers. He explained some of the science behind the most valuable driving trips and shared some common driving mistakes.

Snow reduces tire traction. Drive defensively.

Van Tassel pointed out that tires have much less traction on snow and ice than in dry conditions. This means that any sudden movement of the car - stopping, accelerating or turning - can cause the tires to slide over the ice. Therefore, normal collision avoidance measures may not be accessible, and drivers must maintain distance from other cars.

"It's good to start with the mindset that there are deadly threats in all directions," Van Tassel said. “(Assume) other road users are going to take actions that will put you at the most risk… so you need to have a plan to deal with it.”

Here's how to drive defensively in the snow:

don't drive too fast

Keep enough space around the vehicle

Use only driver-assistive technology as a backup

look far ahead

Use intuitive actions like turning, braking or accelerating

Avoid driving on slopes

Van Tassel said that, if driving in the snow is necessary, there are some things you can do to better plan the trip. First, he said driving in the snow requires a lot of concentration, so he encouraged drivers to be well-rested, stay calm and free of distractions.

Make sure your car is ready by checking the following:

Tires must have good tread life and be properly inflated.

Make sure all lights and sensors are working.

Clear snow and dirt from all lights and sensors.

Clear snow and ice from all windows and mirrors.

When going out, you should pack emergency essentials in your car that will come to your aid if something goes wrong. For example, you could be stuck in ice, and the right tools can help you get unstuck. If you become stranded, emergency preparation items can help you survive until the snow clears and you can be rescued:

Polarized sunglasses.

Water.

Eat

battery charger.

Extra warm clothes.

Blanket.

gloves.

Flare up.

tool.

towels.

"If you have it, and you don't need it, that's fantastic," Van Tassel said. "If you don't have it, you might really need it."

Snowfall in the Northeast: Will a big snow storm start in the Northeast in 2024? The forecast says it may snow eventually.

As Van Tassel points out, a big part of driving safety is about preparation. While it's important to check that things are ready to go straight away before heading out, there are a few things you should also do beforehand to make sure your vehicle is in top condition to withstand the storm.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, good preparation includes:

Visit your mechanic and get your car serviced before the season starts. Make sure they check for leaks, worn hoses, brake pads, and other parts that may need repair.

Check for recalls. Use USA TODAY's recall database and NHTSA's recall look-up tool to check information about your car. If you find out that a recall has been issued, you can find out how to get a free repair.

Make sure you are familiar with your car. Familiarize yourself with your vehicle's built-in safety features and features that may affect driving on slippery roads, such as antilock brakes. Find out how your car performs before taking it into more dangerous conditions.

Charge it. For electric and hybrid vehicles, make sure your battery is charged and ready. If your car has a thermal heating pack for the battery, leave it plugged in when not in use. Warm up your car before you unplug it in the morning.

Plan, plan, plan. Map out your exact route and check road conditions, traffic, hazards and weather before you go. Give yourself enough extra time to get where you need to go so you don't feel rushed and make sure you have an alternative means of following your route if your GPS stops working.