Winter driving, before you leave and during the storm

More than 5,000 people are killed and more than 418,000 are injured in weather-related crashes in the U.S. each year. Winter storms make crashes more likely, and a car stuck in the cold brings its own dangers, from frostbite to carbon monoxide. The safest choice is to stay off the roads until the storm passes. If you have to drive, these steps lower the risk.

Before you leave

• Know the alertA winter storm watch means a blizzard, heavy snow, freezing rain or heavy sleet is possible. A warning means it's happening now or about to, so find shelter right away. Sign up for your community's alert system to get both.
• Clear the whole carBrush the snow and ice off the roof, hood, lights and every window before you start. Snow flying off a car can cause a crash.
• Tell someone your routeSay where you're going and which way you'll drive, so they know where to start looking if you don't arrive.
• Bring a charged phone and a kitTake a fully charged phone, a car charger and an emergency kit, and keep the gas tank full.

On the road

• Slow downA road that only looks wet can be icy, and black ice is hard to see. When the temperature is near freezing, drive as if you're on ice.
• Steer out of a skidStay calm, ease off the gas and turn the wheels in the direction you want the front of the car to go.
• Hold the brake steady with ABSWith anti-lock brakes, press the pedal firmly and hold it. Don't pump it.
• Pull over when you can't seePull well off the road and stop until you can see again.
• Turn the lights off once you've stoppedSet the parking brake too. Another driver may follow your taillights and hit you.

If the car gets stuck

• Stay in the carIn wind-driven snow and cold, it's easy to get lost if you leave on foot.
• Make the car easy to findTie a bright cloth, red if you have one, to the antenna or a door. At night, turn on the dome light while the engine runs. Raise the hood once the snow stops falling.
• Keep the tailpipe clearCarbon monoxide and the car explains how to run the engine safely while you wait.

Before the season

A winter car kit lists what to carry, and getting your car ready for winter covers the tires, battery and wipers.