Call us Now

 406-549-3323

Snowy Roads Ahead: What Every Driver Needs to Know

As snow blankets the landscape, driving can quickly become hazardous. Snow and ice create dangerous conditions that lead to an increased risk of car accidents.

Back to all posts

The winter season is quickly approaching here in Montana. As snow blankets the landscape, driving can quickly become hazardous. Snow and ice create dangerous conditions that lead to an increased risk of car accidents. Understanding these risks can help drivers take necessary precautions to stay safe on the road.

The Dangers of Winter Driving

Winters in Montana come with a multitude of different dangers that every driver needs to take into consideration when getting behind the wheel. It is especially important to be vigilant at the beginning of the season as everyone adjusts to driving in these conditions once again. According to MoneyGeek, Montana is ranked #5 out of all 50 states for the most dangerous winter driving.

One of the biggest hazards when driving on snowy or icy roads is reduced traction. The snow and ice on the roads causes your tires to lose traction. This increases the likelihood of your vehicle sliding which leads to difficulty steering, stopping, or even accelerating. This reduced traction also results in the need for longer stopping distances. Your tires are not able to stop on snow and ice as quickly as they can on dry roads. Keeping a safe distance between you and the car in front of you is a crucial factor in preventing a rear-end collision. It is important that you do not underestimate how slick the road may be.

Car driving through snow fall at night.

In addition to reduced traction, we also have to worry about decreased visibility. There are multiple factors to take into consideration with this risk. Heavy snowfall can reduce visibility to just a few feet. A buildup of snow and ice on windshields and mirrors can block entire section of the road and other drivers from your view. Additionally, it is not uncommon for a buildup to accumulate on your windshield while driving due to the snow and slush being tossed out from underneath the other vehicles’ tires. It’s also no secret that it gets dark outside much earlier in the winter months. All of these situations obstruct your view of the road, other drivers, road signs, traffic lights, and pedestrians which greatly increases the chances of a collision.

One of the most hidden dangers is black ice. According to the U.S. Forest Service, black ice is a transparent sheet of ice that forms without bubbles which allows it to blend in with the pavement it formed on. Spotting black ice can be very difficult so it is better to be prepared at all times. If you hit black ice on the road it is easy to lose control of your car causing you to slide or skid on the road. It’s important to note what conditions black ice appears in. Most commonly black ice forms at night or early morning when temperatures are at their lowest and the sun isn’t shining. Common areas to find black ice include shaded routes, less travelled roads, bridges, and overpasses.

Safety Tips:

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI) published an article reviewing the national statistics of fatal motor vehicle crashes showing that in 2022, Montana had 213 deaths from car accidents or 19 deaths for every 100,000 people. Safety should ways be your #1 priority on the road, especially in the winter. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

  • Slow Down. Reducing your speed enhances your safety. Travelling at slower speeds allows you more time to react when driving and makes it easier to stop when needed. It is in your best interest to adjust your speed to match the road conditions.
  • Increase distance between cars. As previously mentioned, increasing the distance at which you follow a car can be a determining factor in your safety. The roads are unpredictable in the winter so increasing this distance allows you more time and space to react.
  • Use headlights. The winter months consist of a later sunrise and an early sunset. A lack of daylight impairs visibility for drivers, so it is important that you ensure your headlights are on and proper before driving. Other drivers also rely on your headlights to be able to see you.
  • Avoid sudden/jerky movements. Your steering, braking, stopping, and accelerating actions should all be gentle and slow to avoid sliding on any ice, snow, or slush.
  • Stay informed. Before you go anywhere, check your local weather reports and road conditions. Knowing what to expect helps you approach driving in the safest manner and can even help you consider postponing a trip if heavy snow or severe weather is indicated.
  • Snowplows. In Montana we have snowplows cleaning up the streets throughout the winter. Knowing proper driving techniques around snowplows protects you, the plow operator, and the vehicles around you.
  • Equip your vehicle. Ensure you’ve done your due diligence when it comes to your car. Put on winter tires, make sure you have enough gas to make it through the worst-case scenario, keep emergency supplies in the car like water, blankets, and a first aid kit, and ensure your car battery can handle the cold.
Snowplow cleaning the road.

The Car Accident To-Do List

Unfortunately, you can be as prepared as possible but auto accidents can still happen. Follow this guide if you find yourself involved in a car accident:

1. Stay calm, take a deep breath, check for injuries, and make sure you are in a safe location. Panic will only make the situation worse.

2. Call for help. If you or anyone else is injured or the vehicles are blocking traffic you need to call 9-1-1 for emergency services. Ensure you know where you are and have a clear head to explain what happened.

3. Exchange information. Be sure to get the other driver’s insurance information and contact information. Emergency services will likely do this step as well with all involved drivers and potential witnesses.

Ambulance with lights on driving through a snowy street.

4. Take pictures and videos of the scene. The insurance companies will want to see pictures of the accident scene, vehicle damage, road conditions, relevant road signs, and potentially any injuries sustained. Emergency services typically takes pictures of the scene as well but it is better to have more than not enough.

5. Report the accident to the other driver’s insurance company as well as your own. Keep in mind that in Montana it is an act of bad faith for an insurance company to increase insurance premiums if their driver was not at fault. So do not worry about your premiums. Your insurance company may offer another source of compensation for the collision.

6. Contact an attorney. Filing and navigating insurance claims can be a complex process. Retaining an attorney can help you get the compensation you deserve. Car accidents can also result in personal injury claims and wrongful death claims.

Take Aways

Being prepared to drive in winter conditions is the best thing you can do for your safety. Being vigilant and cautious can significantly reduce the risk of a car accident. Taking precautionary measures and understanding the dangers on snowy and icy roads should always be a top priority here in Montana during the winter months. But you should also know what to do if an accident were to occur. Stay safe on the roads!

Call Rasmusson Law Offices, PLLC in Missoula, Montana at (406) 549-3323 for a dedicated and trustworthy attorney to assist you with an auto accident claim, personal injury claim, or wrongful death claim.