Winter Driving Dangers: Key Safety Facts for Drivers and Pedestrians

Winter weather brings some of the most dangerous driving conditions of the year — especially here in Chicago, where snow, ice, and freezing temperatures create serious risks for both drivers and pedestrians. As a Chicago personal injury law firm, we regularly see how winter hazards contribute to crashes across the city and nearby suburbs.

Understanding how snow, black ice, and low visibility affect reaction time and stopping distance can help you stay safe — and help you know what to do if you’re involved in a winter accident.

Why Winter Roads Are So Dangerous

According to the Federal Highway Administration, nearly a quarter of all weather-related crashes happen on snowy, slushy, or icy roads. Another 15% occur during active snowfall. These conditions make it harder for drivers to steer, brake, and maintain control, greatly increasing the risk of a collision.

One of the biggest threats is black ice — a thin, nearly invisible layer of ice that causes sudden skidding and loss of control. Each year, icy pavement leads to more than 150,000 crashes and over 550 fatalities nationwide. For anyone driving in Illinois, especially early in the morning or late at night, black ice is a major hazard.

Shorter Days Increase Risks for Drivers and Pedestrians

With sunset arriving early in the winter, more Illinois residents commute in the dark. Limited visibility makes it harder for drivers to spot pedestrians — especially those wearing dark clothing. Nearly 80% of pedestrian fatalities occur at night, making winter months particularly dangerous for walkers across Chicago neighborhoods.

Common Winter Driving Mistakes

Many winter crashes happen because drivers aren’t prepared for slippery, unpredictable road conditions. Some of the most common mistakes include:

• Driving too fast for snowy or icy roads
• Following other vehicles too closely
• Failing to turn on headlights during snow or low-light conditions
• Leaving snow or ice on the roof, windows, or headlights
• Braking hard or taking sharp turns on untreated roads

Leaving snow on your car isn’t just unsafe — in some states, it’s illegal. Even if Illinois doesn’t fine drivers for uncleared snow, doing so protects you and others from preventable accidents.

Why Rural Roads and Trucks Face Greater Winter Challenges

Rural roads often freeze faster and stay untreated longer than busy city streets. Poor lighting, fewer traffic signals, and longer emergency response times all increase the danger of a winter crash.

Commercial trucks face even bigger challenges. Large vehicles take significantly longer to stop, making icy roads especially dangerous. Jackknife accidents — where a trailer swings sideways across traffic — are more common in winter and often result in multiple-vehicle collisions.

Tragic events like the 130‑car pileup in Fort Worth in 2021 highlight how fast icy roads can lead to catastrophic accidents.

Distraction + Winter Weather = A Risky Combination

Winter driving requires full attention. Unfortunately, many drivers multitask with defrosters, heaters, or navigation apps while navigating snow-covered streets. Pedestrians face risks too, especially children walking to school in the dark or older adults trying to maintain balance on icy sidewalks.

Winter Safety Tips for Drivers

Simple precautions can prevent serious accidents. Drivers should:

• Completely clear snow and ice from the entire vehicle
• Slow down and increase following distance
• Use headlights during snow, fog, or low light
• Brake gently to avoid skidding
• Keep an emergency kit with blankets, a flashlight, ice scraper, and traction aids

Winter Safety Tips for Pedestrians

Pedestrians can reduce their risk by:

• Wearing reflective or bright clothing
• Using sidewalks and marked crosswalks whenever possible
• Avoiding walking in the road, even when snow blocks pathways
• Staying alert and putting phones away when crossing streets

Injured in a Winter Weather Accident? We’re Here to Help.

Even the most cautious people can be injured in winter crashes. Snow and ice often complicate insurance claims, and liability may not be clear. Speaking with a Chicago car accident lawyer can help protect your rights.

At Saperstein Law Group, P.C., we help victims of winter-related car accidents, slip and fall accidents, pedestrian collisions, rideshare crashes, and truck accidents across Chicago and the surrounding suburbs. We can help you pursue compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.

If you or a loved one was hurt in a winter accident, don’t navigate the aftermath alone. Contact Saperstein Law Group, P.C. today for a free consultation to discuss your rights and legal options.