Winter Driving Safety Tips for Upstate New York Conditions
- Northern Insuring Agency, Inc.
- 1 day ago
- 5 min read
If you've been living in upstate New York this winter, you've already experienced what Mother Nature has in store for us. The early cold snaps and frigid temperatures we've seen in December and January are a clear reminder that winter driving in the North Country demands respect, preparation, and vigilance.
At Northern Insuring Agency, we've been serving Plattsburgh, Glens Falls, Potsdam, and the surrounding communities for years, and we know firsthand how quickly winter conditions can turn dangerous on our local roads. Whether you're commuting to work, running errands around town, or making the drive along Route 3 or I-87, these winter driving safety tips can help keep you and your family safe.
Understanding Upstate New York Winter Conditions
Driving in Plattsburgh and the North Country presents unique challenges. Lake-effect snow from Lake Champlain, black ice on shaded rural roads, sudden whiteouts, and temperatures that regularly plunge well below zero all combine to create some of the most demanding winter driving conditions in the country.
From the Adirondack mountain passes near Glens Falls to the exposed rural highways around Potsdam where wind chills can be life-threatening, each region we serve faces its own winter driving challenges. The cold temperatures we've already experienced this January have created particularly hazardous road conditions. When temperatures drop this low, salt becomes less effective at melting ice, roads stay slippery longer, and vehicle systems are stressed to their limits.
Essential Winter Driving Safety Tips
Before You Drive: Vehicle Preparation
Your vehicle is your first line of defense against winter weather. Regular maintenance isn't just about avoiding breakdowns; it's about ensuring your car can handle whatever conditions you encounter.
Check Your Tires: Winter tires make a significant difference in North Country conditions. They're designed to remain flexible in cold temperatures and provide better traction on snow and ice. Check tire pressure regularly, as cold weather causes pressure to drop. Generally speaking, tread depth should be at least 6/32 of an inch for winter driving.
Test Your Battery: Cold weather is brutal on car batteries. If your battery is more than three years old, have it tested. The extreme cold we've been experiencing can reduce battery capacity by up to 60 percent, making it harder to start your engine.
Maintain Fluid Levels: Use winter-grade windshield washer fluid rated for subzero temperatures. Check antifreeze levels to ensure your engine is protected down to at least -30°F. Low temperatures can cause fluids to thicken, affecting everything from your transmission to your brakes.
Inspect Your Lights: With shorter days and frequent snow squalls, visibility is crucial. Make sure all lights are functioning properly and lenses are clean.
On the Road: Safe Driving Practices
Even with a well-maintained vehicle, winter driving requires adjusting your techniques to match the conditions.
Slow Down and Increase Following Distance: This seems obvious, but it bears repeating. Ice and snow dramatically increase stopping distances. What might take 100 feet on dry pavement can require 300 feet or more on ice. Leave at least eight to ten seconds between you and the vehicle ahead.
Accelerate and Brake Gently: Smooth inputs are key. Sudden acceleration can cause your wheels to spin, and hard braking can lead to skids. If you have anti-lock brakes (ABS), apply firm, steady pressure and let the system do its work. Without ABS, use gentle pumping motions.
Watch for Black Ice: Black ice typically forms on bridges, overpasses, and shaded areas of the road, especially during the early morning and evening hours. If the road looks wet but other cars aren't leaving spray, it's likely ice.
Be Extra Cautious in Rural Areas: Many of our local roads throughout the Plattsburgh, Potsdam,and Glens Falls regions are rural and may not be plowed or salted as quickly as main highways. Exercise additional caution on back roads, and don't assume conditions are the same as the main routes.
Emergency Preparedness
Despite our best efforts, emergencies can happen. Being prepared can make the difference between an inconvenience and a dangerous situation.
Build a Winter Emergency Kit: Keep these items in your vehicle during winter months:
Blankets or sleeping bags
Flashlight with extra batteries
First aid kit
Jumper cables
Ice scraper and snow brush
Small shovel
Bag of sand or cat litter for traction
Non-perishable snacks and water
Phone charger
Flares or reflective triangles
Keep Your Gas Tank Full: In winter, try to keep your tank at least half full. This prevents fuel line freeze-up and ensures you have enough gas to run your engine for heat if you're stranded.
Tell Someone Your Plans: When traveling in winter weather, especially during or after storms, let someone know your route and expected arrival time.
The Insurance Perspective: Protection Beyond Prevention
While safe driving practices are essential, having the right auto insurance coverage provides crucial peace of mind during North Country winters.
Comprehensive Coverage: This can protect your vehicle from non-collision damage, including hitting a deer (common in our area during winter months) or damage from ice and snow.
Collision Coverage: If you slide on ice and hit another vehicle or object, collision coverage helps pay for repairs to your car.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage: Unfortunately, not everyone on the road carries adequate insurance. This coverage protects you if you're hit by someone without sufficient coverage.
Roadside Assistance: Breaking down in subzero temperatures isn't just inconvenient; it can be dangerous. Roadside assistance coverage can ensure that help is just a phone call away.
At Northern Insuring Agency, we help you build your auto insurance policy with coverages that can meet our unique North Country conditions. We understand the specific risks Plattsburgh drivers face because we drive these same roads.
Local Resources and Road Conditions
Stay informed about current conditions before heading out:
Check 511NY for real-time road conditions and travel advisories
Follow local weather forecasts closely, as conditions can change rapidly
Consider delaying non-essential travel during severe weather warnings
Sign up for emergency alerts from Clinton County
When to Stay Home
Sometimes the safest decision is not to drive at all. Consider staying off the roads when:
Winter storm warnings are in effect
Visibility is severely limited by blowing snow
Ice storms are occurring or predicted
Temperatures are extreme enough that exposure could be life-threatening
Local authorities advise against travel
Your Safety Is Our Priority
Winter driving in upstate New York requires vigilance, preparation, and the right protection. As we continue through this cold winter season, Northern Insuring Agency remains committed to helping our communities in Plattsburgh, Glens Falls, and Potsdam stay safe and protected.
As true winter driving experts with offices throughout upstate New York, we don't just insure drivers in harsh winter conditions - we navigate these same treacherous roads every day. Our agents in Plattsburgh understand lake-effect snow from Lake Champlain, our Potsdam team knows the challenges of North Country back roads and extreme cold, and our Glens Falls office is well-versed in the Adirondack region's unpredictable winter weather. This firsthand experience means we truly understand what coverage can help you most and why it matters.
We're here to answer your questions about auto insurance coverage, help you review your current policy, or discuss areas where you can add coverage to better address during winter driving conditions. Our local expertise isn't just talk, it's earned through years of helping locals like yourself manage in some of New York's most challenging conditions.
Stay safe out there, drive carefully, and remember that no destination is worth risking your safety. If conditions look dangerous, they probably are. Your Guide. Your Advocate. Our Community.
Get Help When You Need It
Need help? Contact the team at Northern Insuring Agency. Our professionals are eager to assist you. They can help you identify which personal insurance policy is the best option.
In today's ever-changing world, having the right coverage is more important than ever.
Get in touch today for a quote! Northern Insuring will simplify the complicated world of insurance.
