How to Drive in Snow on Highways and City Roads

Reading Time: 5 minutesWinter is here, and that means snow-covered roads and icy conditions. If you’re driving in Halifax, Bedford, or anywhere in Nova Scotia, it’s essential to understand the best winter driving tips to stay safe. Whether you’re commuting on city streets or traveling on the highway, snow and ice can create dangerous road conditions. Knowing how to adjust your driving technique can help prevent accidents and give you more confidence behind the wheel.

Table of Contents

• Essential Winter Driving Tips
• How to Drive in Snow on Highways
• How to Drive in Snow on City Roads
• Additional Safety Tips for Winter Driving

Essential Winter Driving Tips

Before heading out on snowy or icy roads, preparation is key. Here are some general winter driving tips that will help you stay safe on both highways and city roads.

• Check weather and road conditions: Always check the forecast and road reports before traveling.
• Use winter tires: They provide much better traction than all-season tires, especially in Halifax’s unpredictable winter weather.
• Clear snow and ice from your car: Remove all snow from windows, mirrors, headlights, and the roof before driving.
• Drive smoothly: Sudden movements can cause skidding. Accelerate, brake, and turn gently.
• Increase your following distance: Snow and ice reduce stopping ability, so leave at least 6-8 seconds between you and the car ahead.
• Keep an emergency kit: Include a blanket, flashlight, extra clothes, food, and a first aid kit.

How to Drive in Snow on Highways

Driving on the highway in winter requires extra caution due to higher speeds and unpredictable conditions. Snow, ice, and poor visibility make highways particularly dangerous, so follow these winter driving tips:

• Slow down: Always drive well below the posted speed limit in snowy or icy conditions.
• Use low-beam headlights: This improves visibility, especially in snowstorms.
• Stay in your lane: Avoid unnecessary lane changes and use turn signals early.
• Watch for black ice: Bridges, overpasses, and shaded areas freeze first and can be invisible hazards.
• Keep a safe distance from trucks and plows: They take longer to stop and may throw snow onto your windshield.

If you encounter poor conditions, reduce your speed gradually and avoid sudden braking. For more winter highway safety tips, visit Nova Scotia’s winter driving resource.

How to Drive in Snow on City Roads

City driving in winter presents different challenges, including frequent stops, intersections, and unpredictable pedestrian traffic. Snow can pile up quickly, making roads slippery and difficult to navigate.

• Brake early at intersections: Snow gets compacted at stop signs and traffic lights, creating ice patches.
• Accelerate gently: Press the gas pedal slowly to prevent wheel spin.
• Be mindful of pedestrians: Snowbanks can obstruct crosswalks, and people may slip while crossing.
• Plan routes carefully: Side streets may not be plowed as quickly as main roads.
• Use caution on hills: Build momentum before inclines, and avoid stopping halfway up.

Winter driving in Halifax and Dartmouth often means dealing with narrow, snow-covered streets. Always stay alert, especially when turning corners or approaching crosswalks.

Additional Safety Tips for Winter Driving

• Keep your gas tank at least half full: This prevents fuel line freeze-ups.
• Use defrosters and windshield wipers: Maintain clear visibility at all times.
• If you start skidding: Steer in the direction you want to go and ease off the gas.
• Consider delaying travel: If conditions are severe, it’s safer to wait until the roads are cleared.

For more winter driving lessons and hands-on training, check out our Defensive Driving Course.

Stay Safe This Winter!

Driving in snow can be challenging, but by following these winter driving tips, you can reduce risks and stay safe on highways and city roads. Whether you’re preparing for your road test or want to improve your winter driving skills, Artin Driving School offers expert lessons to help you drive with confidence in all conditions.