Winter driving
Photo: P199, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Anyone who's going to drive at high latitudes or over mountain passes should consider the possibility of snow, ice, or freezing temperatures. On icy and snowy roadways, friction is low and you cannot drive as if you were on bare asphalt. Sliding off the road and collisions are much more likely than in good conditions.
Drivers ignoring winter conditions may be subject to natural selection
On the other hand, icy and snowy conditions are normal in many countries, and traffic goes on mostly uninterrupted all year round.
During blizzards, enough snow to get you stuck can fall in very little time. Visibility may also be restricted by falling or blowing snow or by condensation or ice on vehicle windows.
Cold weather is hard work for the car. A weak battery, ice on electrical parts or in fuel, frozen diesel, or a frozen cooling system may cause your car to break down. If you get stuck, you may be at risk of frostbite or hypothermia; see cold weather, snow safety and ice safety for discussion.
UnderstandIf you have never driven in freezing conditions before, it's easy to underestimate the variety of driving challenges that winter weather can throw at you.
PrepareIf you have more than one car to choose from, then think about the points below. If your own car is not equipped for winter conditions, it may be cheaper and easier to rent a car at the destination.
GoSunset is early at high latitudes.
DriveConvoy driving is used routinely in Norway and some other countries in difficult weather, particularly through mountain passes but also on other roads exposed to strong wind.
SurviveAdvice for situations where you can anticipate a long wait:
Sources and licences
- Guide text adapted from the Wikivoyage article "Winter driving" by its contributors, available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Read on Wikivoyage · Contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
- Photo: P199, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons