Driving along Chicago’s icy roads is hazardous and results in a considerable increase in accidents. According to an AccuWeather study, around 156,000 car accidents occur each winter, with the snowy north and eastern seaboard responsible for most of the uptake.
Unfortunately, the snow, slush, and ice are abundant in the Windy City, meaning drivers must take extra care. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, over 1,300 people are killed annually in vehicle crashes because of adverse weather conditions.
Thankfully, you can dramatically reduce your chances of being involved in a car accident by following these safe driving tips.
Key Takeaways
Approximately 21% of all accidents in the U.S. are weather-related, with Illinois being statistically one of the ten most dangerous states for winter driving.
Driving with care in winter requires adopting defensive driving techniques and being patient. Actions like sticking to the right lanes, driving slower, and maintaining a further stopping distance reduce the risk of auto accidents.
Always maintain an emergency kit in your vehicle, clear your car of snow and ice before taking off, and monitor the local weather conditions.
The best way to avoid a winter car accident is only to drive when absolutely necessary.
Handle skids and slides by turning into the skid, taking your foot off the accelerator, and refraining from sudden braking.
If you’re involved in a car accident that wasn’t your fault in winter weather, speak to a personal injury attorney in Chicago to file your claim.
10 Actionable Safety Tips for Drivers on Snowy Chicago Roads (Plus Five Bonus Tips)
Driving in Chicago’s snow and ice requires preparation and extra care when the skies turn dark. Sticking to the right lanes, slowing down, and equipping your vehicle with winter tires are some of the best ways to reduce your odds of being involved in auto accidents.
With the U.S. Centers for Disease Control revealing that 70% of the population lives in regions with more than five inches of snowfall on average annually, learning safe driving techniques is a must-have driving skill.
Here are our top ten tips for driving in Chicago in winter, plus five bonus tips for keeping yourself safe.
1. Stick to the Right Lanes
The right lane is the safest place to manage snowy and icy conditions because the left lane is the fast lane. The fast lane requires higher speeds, thus increasing risks, and snow and ice are likelier to accumulate because the right lane handles most of the traffic.
Other reasons to utilize the right lane as much as possible include:
Easier access to the shoulder if you run into trouble.
Position yourself closer to highway exits, reducing the need for a lane change on slippery roads.
Right lanes are the first to be plowed because they handle most of the traffic.
Leave the fast lanes open for emergency vehicles.
In short, while you can use other lanes, drivers are advised to use the safer right lane as much as possible and accept that your journey may take slightly longer than usual.
2. Be Aware of Black Ice
Black ice is so dangerous because it’s extremely difficult to see. Due to the fact it’s clear with few air bubbles, it takes on the color of the asphalt, hence the name. Driving into black ice causes sliding and loss of control, with potentially disastrous consequences.
According to the University of Louisiana, black ice tends to form on bridges and overpasses. Shady spots where the sun can’t reach also increase the chances of black ice forming. Look for glossy, wet-looking asphalt, and focus if you see other drivers sliding.
So, how should you drive if you hit black ice?
Take your foot off the gas pedal when you start sliding.
Don’t slam on the bakes.
Turn into the direction of the skid.
Remember, when you skid, it’s about managing the skid. It may seem like it’s against your natural instincts, but fighting it by throwing the steering wheel or slamming the brakes only increases the loss of control.
3. Allow Yourself Extra Time for the Commute
Expect your commute to take longer because driving slower is safer in wet and icy conditions. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), reduce your speed by half on snow-packed roads and a third on wet roads.
The reason for slowing your speed is that lower speeds enable you to recover faster if you start sliding and lower the severity of accidents if you do crash. Remember, the State of Michigan reveals that it can take ten times longer to bring your vehicle to a halt on ice and snow. Unfortunately, this has deadly results, with the City of Chicago revealing that 68% of all traffic fatalities in 2023 involved high speeds.
Don't be afraid to be more courteous in accident hotspots. For example, busy intersections remain especially dangerous in winter, so don't be afraid to let others out. It's better to wait than to get into an accident.
In short, be patient, and drive at least half the usual speed limit.
4. Get Yourself a Good Snow and Ice Scraper
A good snow and ice scraper makes winter mornings less miserable by breaking through the most stubborn ice and dusting away layers of snow in minutes. Look for a two-in-one ice scraper with a telescoping handle of at least four to five feet.
With so many brands, it can be tough to pick the best scraper. Here are some characteristics that will make your life easier:
Blade – Must be sturdy enough to cut through hard ice.
Teeth – Tall and prominent to crush ice. Look for one as wide as your scraper blade.
Handle – Search for a handle that uses neoprene. Avoid hard plastic, as these can easily slip from your hands.
Buttons – Prioritize scrapers with larger buttons so that they can be pressed when wearing gloves.
Brush – Premium brushes usually have a foam pusher, bristled broom, and a squeegee available to plow snow and clean your windows.
On a side note, if you’ve got a car with a heated windscreen, this is even better because you can speed up the process by flicking a button and waiting a few minutes.
5. Check Weather and Road Conditions
Check the local weather and road conditions before heading out. Your local Chicago news channel will likely have up-to-the-minute weather reports. Moreover, you can use other sources like The Weather Channel and even Google to find out about the conditions and any accidents that might delay your journey.
Even if you’ve judged the roads safe to drive on, stay wary of changing conditions. Roads sometimes seem clear of snow and ice, but then you might encounter a bridge with both. Don’t assume that just because one section of the street looks good to go, the rest will be.
6. Drive Slowly and Smoothly
Lower your speed and ensure smooth driving motions. On snow-packed roads, your speed should be half of the speed limit. Avoid sudden accelerations or braking, as these can cause your wheels to lose traction.
However, that doesn’t mean you should drive excessively slowly. Too slow, and it gets challenging to keep your car in a straight line. Plus, it could increase the odds of an accident, as other drivers may misjudge the distance between your car and theirs.
Generally, if the speed limits are 70 mph, 35-40 mph is a good speed. You can also take your direction from other drivers, as there’s a good chance you’ll end up in a big jam at some point in these conditions.
7. Get Really Good Winter Tires
Winter tires are specifically designed for driving in snowy and icy conditions by enhancing your vehicle’s grip and preventing sliding. Good winter tires have deeper treads and rely on specialized rubber compounds to reduce the risk of crashing.
All vehicles in Chicago and the broader Illinois area should be equipped with winter tires. The Second City regularly experiences harsh winters, and continuing to drive with conventional tires is a risk to you and other road users.
So, what makes winter tires stand out?
Soft Rubber – Winter tires use a special rubber compound that allows them to maintain flexibility at low temperatures, increasing their grip.
Silica Enrichment – Many brands also incorporate silica into their tread compound to boost traction further.
Deeper Treads – Deeper treads increase how much traction you get by providing more surface area for gripping loose snow. They’re also designed with wider grooves and larger blocks to channel any slush from where your tire contacts the road.
It’s true that winter tires are more expensive than conventional tires and require extra storage space for the rest of the year, but can you really put a price on your family’s safety?
Do Chicago Drivers Need Winter Tires?
Chicago drivers aren’t required to install winter tires by law, with some drivers claiming that all-season tires are sufficient because the city’s roads are generally well-cleared of snow through the city plowing system. However, road safety experts recommend installing winter tires anyway for that extra security.
Despite calls from road safety experts for more winter tire use, Consumer Reports found that just two in five Americans used winter tires. Approximately 67% of drivers said that all-season were sufficient, even though these are proven to be less effective in snowy and icy conditions.
8. Keep an Emergency Kit
Building an emergency kit protects you from the cold if you ever find yourself caught out by an emergency road closure. Remember, towing services may even be unable to reach you, which could necessitate spending a night in your car. Emergency kits should cover all your needs and be permanently in your vehicle throughout the winter.
According to The National Weather Service, the following should be included as part of an emergency kit:
Cell phone charger
First aid kit
Jumper cables
Tire chains
Flares
Water
Snacks
Full tank of gas
Flashlight
Flares
Bag of sand
Warm clothes, including boots and gloves
Blankets
Tow ropes
Shovel
Ice scraper/brush
Of course, if you’re traveling with someone who requires prescription medication, ensure you’ve got a supply of their medication. Always assume you could be forced to spend a night in your car.
9. Increase Your Following Distance
Following or stopping distance must be increased to account for how much longer it takes to bring your car to a complete halt in winter weather. Estimates range that it can take anywhere from three to 12 times longer to stop, depending on your vehicle and the road conditions.
KOAA News 5 revealed that if you’re traveling 35 mph on dry payment, your car will take 60-100 feet to come to a complete stop. Snow-packed streets will double this distance. Likewise, icy conditions can increase your stopping distance by up to 600 feet.
Of course, you're in luck if you’ve got winter tires. According to The Zebra, winter tires on packed snow will reduce your safe following distance by 35%.
10.Brake Gently
Slamming on your brakes can immediately cause your vehicle to skid, as your wheels slip and you can’t maintain a grip on the road surface. Always brake gently at the end of the skid by tapping lightly on your pedal and fully removing your foot from the accelerator.
However, the best way to handle the braking issue is to slow down in the first place and rely on easing off the accelerator early. Using your brakes as little as possible will help you maintain control of your vehicle.
Should You Use Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS) in Winter?
Anti-lock brakes are one of the most valuable safety systems your vehicle has, but they can also work against you under certain conditions. These advanced braking systems are designed to enhance your regular brakes by pumping them automatically.
ABS brakes can be activated by pressing firmly on the brake pedal. You’ll hear a pulsating sound, which may be accompanied by a growl. This is normal and makes it easy to maintain control in most winter conditions.
However, Wagner Brakes cautions that ABS brakes should never be used on ice. They can increase the risk of an accident by causing the wheels to lock up. If you’re driving on ice, it’s best to avoid using them altogether.
Bonus Tip #1: Clear Snow and Ice from Your Vehicle Completely
Never drive with snow and ice on your vehicle. Braking and acceleration can obscure your view, resulting in you causing an accident. Snow and ice should be cleared from every part of the vehicle, including the roof, windows, the tops of your side mirrors, the hood, lights, and the trunk.
Even though it might be tempting to clear the windows and drive off, this often results in disaster. For example, if you’re forced to come to a halt suddenly, any snow on your roof will continue moving forward because of the momentum and drop down onto your front window.
Although it may be a trial on a miserable Chicago morning, taking a few extra minutes to clean up your vehicle keeps you and other road users safe.
Is it Illegal to Not Clear Your Car of Snow and Ice in Chicago?
It’s state law in Illinois to clear your car of snow, ice, moisture, or any other materials blocking the windows. According to FOX 2, this is a state law, and you could be pulled over and given a ticket of no less than $100.
Additionally, the Illinois vehicle code requires that every vehicle sold in the state be equipped with devices for clearing rain and snow from the windshield, so there’s really no excuse.
Bonus Tip #2: Use Low Beams Instead of High Beams During Snowfall
Low visibility is just a reality of driving in Chicago in winter, but how should you use your headlights? High beams may seem like the obvious answer because they’re more powerful and, therefore, better for low visibility, but it’s actually better to use your low beams instead.
Low-beam headlights are designed to light a small area while limiting the direction of the light. Driving in heavy snow, fog, and rain requires low-beam headlights because when you switch your lights to this mode, the light is directed down.
In contrast, if you switch on your high beams, the light will be reflected back at you, creating glare.
Bonus Tip #3: Pull Over If Necessary
Don’t be afraid to pull over if the conditions become too extreme to go on. Driving outside the immediate area of Chicago or at night before the roads have been plowed could put you in a potentially dangerous situation.
Likewise, if rain or snow turns to sleet and starts to build off on your windscreen, it’s time to pull over. Don’t attempt to squint through a small section of the windscreen, or you could miss hidden dangers.
If you must pull over, get as far away from the right lane as possible. Turn off your headlights and put your hazard warning lights on while you do what you have to do.
Bonus Tip #4: Don’t Crowd the Plow
Don’t Crowd the Plow is a campaign to raise awareness among drivers that they must display more patience and avoid life-threatening mistakes when confronted with a snow plow vehicle on the roads.
These trucks plow and salt at around 45 mph, making motorists impatient and trying to pass them. Moreover, many motorists miss the flashing lights and get into rear-end accidents with these vehicles. Remember, plow drivers have extremely limited visibility. They can’t see directly behind their trucks and often can’t see out of the sides of the trucks when plowing because of the snow cloud they create.
Follow these two principles of dealing with plows:
Don’t attempt to pass or travel next to a vehicle while plowing. These trucks often move to the side without warning because of hitting drifts and packed snow.
Never pass a snow plow on the right. Many trucks have wings extending six feet to allow them to travel in the right lane and plow the shoulder simultaneously.
Display a little more patience, and don’t attempt to tangle with these behemoths when you encounter them during the winter months. Waiting a few extra minutes is always better than becoming an accident victim.
Bonus Tip #5: Do Not Travel During Bad Weather Unless Absolutely Necessary
Is your trip necessary? Think about whether you need to travel at all. Driving in adverse winter weather conditions in driving is always risky, even for experienced drivers, because you can’t control what other drivers are doing. All it takes is another driver demonstrating risky behaviors or panicking when they start sliding, resulting in disaster.
Check the weather, and if you’ve been advised that the conditions are dangerous, stay home entirely. Most journeys can be rescheduled for another time.
What are the Statistics About Getting into a Chicago Car Accident in the Winter?
Roughly 21% of all vehicle crashes every year are weather-related, per statistics from the Department of Transportation.
What’s the definition of a weather-related accident? These are defined as crashes occurring in any type of poor weather, including:
Rain
Snow
Sleet
Fog
Crosswinds
Blowing debris
Poor road conditions, like if it’s wet, icy, or slushy
Winter weather is a particular hotspot for crashes, with Insurance.com reporting that 17% of all crashes occur at this time of year. Approximately 24% of winter accidents are caused by rain, snow, ice, and slush, and 15% occur when it’s actively sleeting or snowing.
Unfortunately, the situation has been getting worse in Chicago. Although neighboring Michigan tops the list for the most fatalities on winter roads, Illinois is also one of the top 10 most dangerous states for winter driving, based on data reported by MoneyGeek.
What Types of Extreme Weather Do Chicago Drivers Experience?
Chicago drivers are liable to extreme weather in the winter, including heavy snow, ice, sleet, and rain. Thick fog sweeping from the Great Lakes can also cause poor visibility and freezing conditions, especially in January and February.
Some of the worst winters for drivers in Chicago’s history include:
2013-2014 – This season saw the third-highest winter snowfall in the city’s history, with 26 days where the temperature dropped below zero, breaking a record that had stood for over a century. Plus, Lake Michigan was 90% frozen over.
1978-79 – The late 1970s saw several harsh winters, but 1978-79 is the standout for this period. The snowstorm dropped 18.8 inches on the ground, with the average temperature for that winter being 18.4 degrees, the second lowest of all time.
1966-1967 – The Blizzard of 1967 dropped snow at a rate of two inches per hour on the city, with snow drifts up to six feet tall in some areas. At the culmination of the blizzard, the city’s highways were left with thousands of vehicles abandoned and 23 inches of snow on the ground. It was so bad that even commercial air traffic ground to a halt in the days afterward.
It demonstrates just how vulnerable Chicago can be to bouts of extreme weather, even though the city has made massive improvements in areas like snow plowing and salting.
How to Handle Skids and Slippery Surfaces
Skidding on slippery surfaces and temporarily losing control of your vehicle is terrifying. The correct approach is to do the opposite of what your instincts tell you, including steering into the skid, avoiding heavy braking, and easing off the accelerator.
Generally, there are three things to do when this happens:
Lift Your Foot – Lift your feet off the accelerator and brake pedal to help your tires regain traction. Gently push the brake pedal as you’re coming out of the skid to bring your car to a stop.
Turn Into the Skid – Steer towards the skid. This helps you realign your vehicle and take back control.
Never Jerk the Steering Wheel – Avoid sudden movements when entering a skid, which can cause fishtailing. Gently point your car in the direction of the skid.
The most crucial tip for handling skids and slippery surfaces is to stay calm. It’s alarming to lose control of your vehicle suddenly, but what matters is that you do as little as possible and avoid panicking.
What to Do if You Get Stuck or Stranded
If you get stuck or stranded, it could become a life-threatening situation if you’re not adequately equipped. That’s why road safety experts recommend packing an emergency kit and keeping it in your car at all times. Ensure your kit includes food, water, warm clothing or blankets, and a tool for calling for help.
Always stay in your vehicle while you’re stuck because it’s the best protection from both the weather and other vehicles. If possible, call 911 and ask for help. Note that if the conditions are especially bad, you may have to wait a few hours for help to arrive. In the meantime, keep your window cracked to allow fresh air to circulate in your car.
Assuming your car still works, keep your hazard lights on. If you have them, you can use flares to stay visible in the snow. While waiting, wrap yourself in extra clothing and drink water to stay hydrated.
We also recommend conserving your cell phone battery by only using it when necessary. If you’ve got a portable charger, keep your cell phone as close to 100% as possible.
Remember, help is on the way, so don’t panic or lose hope!
The Importance of Defensive Driving in Snowy Conditions
Defensive driving techniques should be part of every driver’s arsenal, but they become infinitely more important in the winter months. Adopting a defensive driving strategy means focusing on your own actions, avoiding distracted driving, and perceiving everything else around you so that you can react quickly to hazards.
Examples of winter defensive driving strategies include:
Maintain a stopping distance of two to two-and-a-half car lengths from the vehicle in front.
Frequently check your blind spots and mirrors.
Managing your speed.
Avoiding aggressive driving behaviors.
Being responsible to other drivers.
Avoid intersection accidents by paying special attention at intersections.
Don't engage in risky driving behaviors, like trying to run a red light or stop signs.
Adapting to the current driving conditions, especially if they change.
Defensive driving is the cornerstone of safe driving practices. If you’re unfamiliar with defensive driving, look up courses in your area where you can be taught by an expert.
Legal Responsibilities for Clearing Snow from Your Vehicle
Under state law, all drivers are legally required to clear snow from their vehicles. The same applies to all materials that could obstruct visibility while driving. That means there shouldn’t be any snow, ice, or other materials anywhere on your vehicle, including the windows, lights, and roof.
Note that failing to clear your vehicle from snow is a traffic violation. An officer may choose to pull you over and issue you a ticket of $100 or more, per Chapter 12 of the Illinois Vehicle Code.
What Should I Do If I Get Injured in a Car Crash During Winter in Chicago?
Getting injured in a car accident in winter that wasn’t your fault could entitle you to compensation. Illinois is an at-fault state, meaning it’s the party to blame that must pay all associated costs.
Here’s what to do if you’re injured in a car accident:
Get to Safety – Prioritize your health and well-being by getting to safety. Maneuver your vehicle to the shoulder, if possible, and call 911. Ask for an ambulance if you have any serious injuries, and also ask for a traffic officer to attend.
Exchange Details – All drivers must legally exchange their insurance details at the accident scene. Refusing to do so or driving off is considered to be a hit-and-run offense, which is something that could result in jail time. This includes all vehicles, in case there are multiple vehicles involved.
Collect Evidence – Any evidence you can gather at the scene will impact your claim. Use your phone to take photos of visible injuries, vehicular damage, road conditions, traffic signals, and other road signage. The attending police officer will also fill out a police accident report you can use to file a personal injury lawsuit later.
Seek Medical Attention – Even if you’re not seriously injured, minor symptoms could hide catastrophic injuries, including internal bleeding. Likewise, whiplash and concussion symptoms might not appear until hours later. Get to your nearest medical facility for an examination.
Notify Your Auto Insurance Firm – Auto insurance firms all require traffic accidents to be reported. Check your policy, and you’ll see that this requirement is usually within 24-72 hours. If you fail to do so, you might invalidate your coverage.
Don’t forget to contact a Chicago car accident lawyer to negotiate with your insurer and pursue your claim. Insurance companies aren’t there to pay compensation. They’re there to minimize your injuries and apportion the blame to you.
By hiring a personal injury lawyer, you ensure that you don’t jeopardize your claim, file a personal injury claim within Illinois’ statute of limitations, and give yourself the best chance of a fair settlement.
Winter Weather Driving FAQs
Do most car accidents happen in the winter?
Most fatal car accidents occur in summer because drivers are likelier to drive at higher speeds and more significant traffic volumes. According to the National Safety Council, a 2021 study found that the highest number of traffic deaths occurred between May and October, while the lowest was through January and March.
What is the safest winter vehicle to avoid an auto accident?
Trucks, SUVs, crossovers, wagons, and sedans are the safest vehicles because they’ll usually be equipped with All-Wheel Drive (AWD) and Four-Wheel Drive (4WD). AWD and 4WD vehicles have better traction and more stability on winter roads.
Additionally, it helps that they’re likelier to have better weight distribution and a durable exterior design combined with a higher ground clearance. However, note that 4WD and AWD vehicles can be as vulnerable to ice as any other vehicle.
Does distracted driving increase in winter?
There’s no evidence that distracted driving is more frequent in winter. However, treacherous conditions increase the risks that come with distracted drivers, especially teenage drivers. Glancing at your phone might be something you get away with in the summer, but looking away for a single second in winter could have fatal consequences. And, remember, distracted driving remains a leading cause of accidents in winter, regardless.
