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When driving on snow, how much should I reduce my speed by?

Weather reports are saying that my town will be hit by heavy snowfall in the next few days, but we’re not equipped to remove large volumes of snow quickly. How much should I reduce my speed when driving on snow to prevent slipping?

avatar
Tiffany Leung · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Heavy snow is a pain to drive in. We hope you stay safe on the roads!
There is no set rule on how much you should reduce your speed when driving on snow, as it depends on the road conditions, surroundings, and visibility. However, you should go at least 10-20 mph below the posted speed limit or match the speed of moving vehicles around you.
Here are a few tips to stay safe when driving in the snow:
  • Stay home — Avoid going out if you don’t need to when the weather is bad. The chances of getting into an accident are much higher since the road conditions and traffic are more unpredictable.
  • Use winter tires — Switching to winter tires will give your car more traction and control on slippery roads.
  • Don’t pump the brakes — If your car has an anti-lock braking system, apply a consistent pressure so that the system can kick in when needed.
  • Leave more distance — With a lot of snow, your car is likely to slip and take longer to slow down/stop. Stay further behind the car in front of you than usual to avoid a collision.
  • Keep your lights on — In white-out conditions, keeping your lights on regardless of day or night will help other drivers see your car.
There is still a high chance of an accident in extreme weather, even if you’re careful. So make sure your vehicle is adequately covered.
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