Winter Driving Safety: What 155 Virginia Crashes Teach Us About Hazardous Road Conditions

Virginia State Police responded to 155 crashes across the Commonwealth during a recent winter storm, a stark reminder that winter weather creates some of the most dangerous driving conditions on our roads. As temperatures drop and precipitation increases, Virginia drivers need to understand how to navigate treacherous conditions safely—or better yet, when to stay home altogether.

The Reality of Winter Weather Crashes in Virginia

The recent winter storm that impacted Virginia highlighted just how quickly dangerous conditions can develop and how many drivers are unprepared for the challenges they create.

Statewide Impact: Crashes by Region

The 155 crashes investigated by Virginia State Police were distributed across all regions of the Commonwealth, demonstrating that winter weather hazards affect every part of the state:

• Division 1 (Richmond/Central Virginia): 15 crashes with two reported injuries

• Division 2 (Culpeper to Stafford): 6 crashes with no injuries

• Division 3 (Appomattox - Central/Western Virginia): 24 crashes with one reported injury

• Division 4 (Wytheville - Southwest Virginia): 31 crashes with two injuries

• Division 5 (Chesapeake - Hampton Roads): 23 crashes with three injuries

• Division 6 (Salem - Roanoke Area): 45 crashes with one reported injury

• Division 7 (Fairfax - Northern Virginia): 11 crashes with two reported injuries

The Roanoke area saw the highest concentration of crashes, while even typically milder coastal areas like Hampton Roads experienced significant incidents.

Why Winter Storms Are So Dangerous

Winter weather creates multiple hazards that compound each other, making driving exponentially more dangerous:

Reduced Traction
Snow and ice dramatically reduce tire grip on roadways. Even with modern tires and traction control systems, vehicles simply cannot brake, accelerate, or turn as effectively on slick surfaces.

Decreased Visibility
Falling snow reduces visibility, making it harder to see other vehicles, road markings, traffic signals, and hazards ahead. This gives drivers less time to react to changing conditions.

Black Ice Deception
Roads may appear clear but harbor invisible patches of ice. Officials warn that roadways may look black but can still contain slush, ice, or snow, creating false confidence in drivers who assume conditions are better than they actually are.

Temperature-Related Hazards
Sub-freezing temperatures impact roads even after snow stops falling, causing wet surfaces to refreeze and creating new hazards hours after precipitation ends.

Bridges and Overpasses
These structures freeze before regular roadways because cold air circulates above and below them, making them particularly treacherous.

Critical Winter Driving Skills Every Virginia Driver Needs

Understanding how to drive safely in winter conditions isn't optional knowledge—it's essential for protecting yourself, your passengers, and other road users.

Reduce Speed Significantly

The single most important winter driving adjustment is slowing down, and we're not talking about dropping 5 mph below the speed limit.

Why Speed Reduction Matters:

• Stopping distances increase dramatically on snow and ice

• Lower speeds give you more time to react to hazards

• Reduced speed helps maintain vehicle control during slides

• Excessive speed for conditions was the primary factor in most crashes during the recent storm

How Much to Slow Down:

• On snow-covered roads: Reduce speed by 50% or more

• On icy roads: Reduce speed by 70% or more

• If you can't see road markings: You're going too fast

• When in doubt: Slow down more

Increase Following Distance

Normal following distance recommendations don't apply in winter weather. You need far more space between your vehicle and the one ahead.

Safe Following Distance in Winter:

• Minimum 8-10 seconds behind the vehicle ahead

• Double that on especially slick roads

• Remember: If the car ahead stops suddenly, you cannot stop quickly

• Extra space gives you options if you start to slide

Master Gentle Inputs

Sudden movements—braking, accelerating, or turning sharply—are the enemy of winter driving safety.

Smooth Driving Techniques:

• Brake gently and progressively, not suddenly

• Accelerate gradually to avoid wheel spin

• Turn steering wheel smoothly, not abruptly

• Avoid sudden lane changes

• Think of all your inputs as happening in slow motion

Understand How Your Vehicle Responds

Different vehicles respond differently to slick conditions, and understanding your vehicle's behavior can prevent crashes.

Vehicle-Specific Considerations:

• Front-wheel drive: Tends to understeer (push straight) when turning too fast

• Rear-wheel drive: Tends to oversteer (rear end swings out) on slick surfaces

• All-wheel drive: Helps with acceleration but doesn't improve braking

• SUVs and trucks: Higher center of gravity increases rollover risk

Know How to Recover from a Slide

Even careful drivers can experience slides on winter roads. Knowing how to respond can prevent a minor slide from becoming a serious crash.

Slide Recovery Basics:

• Don't panic and slam on the brakes

• Look and steer where you want to go, not at obstacles

• For front-wheel slides: Ease off the gas and straighten the wheel

• For rear-wheel slides: Steer gently in the direction the rear is sliding

• Once you regain control, accelerate very gently

When Staying Home Is the Right Decision

Sometimes the safest winter driving decision is not to drive at all. Virginia Department of Transportation and State Police urged residents to stay off roads as conditions worsened, emphasizing that many trips simply aren't worth the risk.

Signs You Should Stay Home

Weather Conditions:

• Ongoing heavy snow or freezing rain

• Temperatures hovering around freezing (creating ice conditions)

• Poor visibility (less than 1/4 mile)

• Official warnings or travel advisories

Road Conditions:

• Snow accumulation of more than an inch

• Reports of numerous crashes in your area

• Untreated or unplowed roads

• Bridge or overpass icing

Personal Factors:

• Your trip isn't essential

• You lack winter driving experience

• Your vehicle isn't equipped for winter weather

• You feel uncomfortable or anxious about the conditions

The Cost of Unnecessary Travel

Law enforcement warned that drivers who venture out and become involved in a crash will likely receive a citation, as current conditions don't support unnecessary travel. Beyond citations, unnecessary travel during winter storms:

• Puts you and others at risk of injury or death

• Diverts emergency resources from critical needs

• Creates additional hazards for road crews trying to clear streets

• Can result in hours-long delays if you become stranded

Preparing Your Vehicle for Winter Driving

If you must drive in winter weather, proper vehicle preparation significantly improves your safety.

Essential Vehicle Maintenance

Tires:

• Ensure adequate tread depth (minimum 4/32" for winter, ideally 6/32"+)

• Check tire pressure (cold weather reduces pressure)

• Consider winter tires if you frequently drive in snow

• All-season tires are not optimal for heavy snow or ice

Fluids:

• Use winter-grade windshield washer fluid (won't freeze)

• Check antifreeze levels and concentration

• Ensure oil is appropriate viscosity for cold weather

Visibility:

• Replace worn wiper blades before winter arrives

• Keep extra washer fluid in your vehicle

• Clear ALL snow and ice from windows before driving

• Clean headlights and taillights regularly during storms

Winter Emergency Kit

Keep these items in your vehicle throughout winter:

• Ice scraper and snow brush

• Small shovel

• Bag of sand or cat litter (for traction if stuck)

• Jumper cables or portable battery booster

• Flashlight with extra batteries

• Blanket or sleeping bag

• Water and non-perishable snacks

• First aid kit

• Phone charger (car and portable battery)

• Warm clothing and gloves

What Virginia's Driver Improvement Course Teaches About Winter Driving

ABC Driver Improvement's Virginia DMV-approved course includes comprehensive instruction on handling adverse weather conditions, including winter driving challenges.

Winter Weather Topics Covered

Recognizing Hazards:

• How to identify black ice and other hidden dangers

• Understanding when conditions are too dangerous for travel

• Reading weather forecasts and road condition reports

Vehicle Control:

• Proper techniques for braking on slippery surfaces

• How to recover from skids and slides

• Understanding your vehicle's traction control and ABS systems

Decision Making:

• When to cancel or postpone trips

• Route planning for safer winter travel

• Emergency procedures if you become stranded

Why Winter Driving Education Matters

The 155 crashes during Virginia's recent winter storm demonstrate that many drivers lack the knowledge and skills needed to navigate hazardous conditions safely. Quality driver improvement education addresses these gaps, teaching techniques that can prevent crashes and save lives.

Official Guidance for Winter Storm Travel

Virginia authorities provided clear guidance during the recent winter storm, and these recommendations apply to any winter weather event:

Before You Travel

Monitor road conditions closely and follow guidance from the Virginia Department of Transportation before traveling. Specific steps include:

• Check real-time road conditions through VDOT resources

• Monitor weather forecasts for your entire route

• Identify alternate routes in case of closures

• Inform someone of your travel plans and expected arrival time

• Ensure your phone is fully charged

Sharing the Road with Maintenance Crews

Motorists should remain alert for VDOT crews actively working to clear roadways and give snowplows and VDOT trucks ample space to safely perform their duties.

Safe Interactions with Road Crews:

• Never pass snowplows or salt trucks

• Maintain significant following distance behind maintenance vehicles

• Expect sudden stops or slow speeds

• Remember that plowed roads may still have packed snow or ice

• Be patient—crews are working to improve conditions

Giving First Responders Space

Officials emphasize that the more vehicles that stop at a crash scene, the more problems arise, including pedestrians walking on roadways and additional collision risks.

What to Do at Crash Scenes:

• Don't stop to gawk or help unless it's an emergency

• Move far over if emergency vehicles approach

• Slow down but don't stop unnecessarily

• Report crashes by calling 911, don't investigate yourself

Long-Term Solutions: Becoming a Safer All-Weather Driver

While individual winter storms eventually pass, the skills and knowledge needed for safe winter driving last a lifetime. Investing in driver improvement education provides benefits that extend far beyond a single season.

Benefits of Driver Improvement Training

Enhanced Safety:

• Learn proven techniques for handling hazardous conditions

• Understand vehicle dynamics and control

• Develop better hazard recognition skills

Insurance Savings:

• Many insurers offer discounts for completing approved courses

• Demonstrate your commitment to safe driving

• Potentially save hundreds of dollars annually

Point Reduction:

• Earn 5 safe driving points on your Virginia driving record

• Points can offset future violations

• Helps maintain a cleaner driving record

Confidence:

• Feel more prepared for challenging conditions

• Make better decisions about when to drive

• Handle emergencies more effectively

Take Action: Improve Your Winter Driving Skills Today

The 155 crashes during Virginia's recent winter storm didn't happen because drivers wanted to crash—they happened because drivers lacked the knowledge, skills, or judgment needed to navigate dangerous conditions safely. Don't wait for the next winter storm to highlight gaps in your own winter driving abilities.

ABC Driver Improvement's Virginia DMV-approved online course provides comprehensive education on winter driving and all aspects of safe vehicle operation. Our 8-hour course covers:

• Adverse weather driving techniques

• Emergency maneuvers and vehicle control

• Hazard recognition and avoidance

• Decision-making for challenging conditions

• Virginia traffic laws and safe driving practices

Why Choose ABC Driver Improvement

Virginia DMV Approved
Our course is fully approved by the Virginia DMV and recognized by courts throughout the Commonwealth. Your completion certificate is accepted wherever required.

100% Online and Self-Paced
Complete your course from home, on your schedule, 24/7. No need to travel to a classroom, especially not in winter weather.

Certificate in Under 24 Hours
Finish your course and receive your certificate quickly—often within hours of completion.

Affordable at $74.99
Invest in your safety and driving skills at a competitive price that includes all course materials, testing, and DMV reporting.

Earn 5 Safe Driving Points
Add positive points to your Virginia driving record that can offset future violations.

Don't Wait for the Next Storm

Winter weather will return to Virginia every year, bringing the same hazards that caused 155 crashes in a single day. Will you be prepared? Will you have the knowledge and skills needed to navigate safely—or the wisdom to stay home when conditions are too dangerous?

Enroll in ABC Driver Improvement's Virginia DMV-approved course today and become a safer, more confident all-weather driver.

Register Now for Just $74.99 →

Contact ABC Driver Improvement

Questions about winter driving safety or our driver improvement course?

• Phone: (804) 223-2038

• Email: contact@abcdrivingcourse.com

• Website: www.abcdrivingcourse.com

Stay safe out there, Virginia drivers. The next winter storm is coming—make sure you're ready.

ABC Driver Improvement offers Virginia DMV-approved online driver improvement courses that teach critical skills for safe driving in all conditions, including winter weather. Our 8-hour course helps you earn 5 safe driving points, potentially reduce insurance rates, and become a more confident, capable driver. Enroll today and complete your course from the safety and comfort of your home.