The Most Important Winter Driving Tips for Parents
Winter driving changes how families navigate familiar roads. Snowy terrain, limited visibility, and unpredictable weather can make even short trips feel stressful. Winter doesn’t just change the road; it changes how parents make decisions behind the wheel.
To better understand what parents worry about, how their driving behavior changes, and what actually helps them feel safer, Richmond Vona conducted a nationwide survey focused specifically on winter driving with children. The insights below reflect what parents across the country shared about fear, preparation, cost, and decision-making during the winter months.
Survey Methodology and Key Findings
To understand what truly impacts parents’ confidence on winter roads, Richmond Vona has surveyed 100 randomly selected respondents with children who live in areas across the United States that experience winter weather. Participants came from a wide range of regions, where snow, ice, and freezing temperatures are a regular part of life.
Our goal was to understand how parents feel while driving in winter compared to other seasons, what factors increase their anxiety, how their behavior changes when children are present, and what practical winter safety steps help them feel safer. Several key themes consistently emerged: road conditions, the behavior of other drivers, vehicle maintenance and tires, cost barriers, and access to clear safety information. Responses included both quantitative data and open-ended feedback, allowing parents to describe their real-world experiences in their own words.
This data highlights the fact that winter safety doesn’t hinge on a single factor; it’s a combination of road conditions, vehicle readiness, and the unpredictable choices of other drivers.
ON THIS PAGE
- Why Many Drivers Feel Less Safe on Winter Roads
- Why Parents Feel More Anxious Driving with Children in Winter
- How Winterization Costs Shape Driver Safety and Confidence
- What Safety Features Parents Value Most in Winter Weather
- What Information Parents Want Most About Winter Driving Safety
- We Know Winters at Richmond Vona, And We’re Here If You Have Questions
Why Many Drivers Feel Less Safe on Winter Roads
When asked how winter driving compares to other seasons, 62% of participants reported feeling less safe driving in the winter, while 31% said it feels about the same. Only 7% reported feeling safer during the winter months.
The most common contributors to this anxiety, in order of prevalence, were the following:
- Black ice
- Sliding on ice
- Other drivers on the road
- Blizzards
- Getting trapped in severe weather
Open-ended responses reinforced these concerns, with participants frequently mentioning risks associated with snow, including inadequate plowing and the fear that other drivers would make unsafe decisions during storms.
National data adds important context to this data. According to the National Safety Council, more deadly crashes occur during the summer months than in winter, largely because people drive less in winter. This doesn’t mean winter driving is safe, but it highlights how parents’ anxiety is rooted in the dramatic changes winter brings to familiar roadways: reduced traction, lower visibility, and a decreased margin for error. Winter crashes often occur under more severe conditions, even if total crash volume is lower.
Which of the following worsens your anxiety when driving in the winter? Please choose any of the following:
| # | Answers | Respondents(%) | Answers | Count |
Stratified Respondent(%) |
Stratified Answers(%) |
Stratified Count |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A1 | Black Ice | 88.24% | 21.13% | 75 | 92.61% | 22.00% | 84.34 |
| A2 | Blizzard | 58.82% | 14.08% | 50 | 59.59% | 14.15% | 54.27 |
| A3 | Nor’easter | 10.59% | 2.54% | 9 | 6.35% | 1.51% | 5.78 |
| A4 | Getting trapped in severe water | 49.41% | 11.83% | 42 | 48.28% | 11.47% | 43.97 |
| A5 | Having full visibility | 42.35% | 10.14% | 36 | 41.64% | 9.89% | 37.92 |
| A6 | Other drivers on the road | 64.71% | 15.49% | 55 | 61.78% | 14.68% | 56.27 |
| A7 | Sliding in ice | 81.18% | 19.44% | 69 | 87.72% | 20.84% | 79.89 |
| A8 | Mechanical problems | 22.35% | 5.35% | 19 | 23.05% | 5.47% | 20.99 |
| A9 | Other | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0 |
| # | Answers | A1 | Black Ice |
|---|---|
| A2 | Blizzard |
| A3 | Nor’easter |
| A4 | Getting trapped in severe water |
| A5 | Having full visibility |
| A6 | Other drivers on the road |
| A7 | Sliding in ice |
| A8 | Mechanical problems |
| A9 | Other |
| # | Respondents(%) | A1 | 88.24% |
|---|---|
| A2 | 58.82% |
| A3 | 10.59% |
| A4 | 49.41% |
| A5 | 42.35% |
| A6 | 64.71% |
| A7 | 81.18% |
| A8 | 22.35% |
| A9 | 0.00% |
| # | Answers | A1 | 21.13% |
|---|---|
| A2 | 14.08% |
| A3 | 2.54% |
| A4 | 11.83% |
| A5 | 10.14% |
| A6 | 15.49% |
| A7 | 19.44% |
| A8 | 5.35% |
| A9 | 0.00% |
| # | Count | A1 | 75 |
|---|---|
| A2 | 50 |
| A3 | 9 |
| A4 | 42 |
| A5 | 36 |
| A6 | 55 |
| A7 | 69 |
| A8 | 19 |
| A9 | 0 |
| # |
Stratified Respondent(%) |
A1 | 92.61% |
|---|---|
| A2 | 59.59% |
| A3 | 6.35% |
| A4 | 48.28% |
| A5 | 41.64% |
| A6 | 64.78% |
| A7 | 87.72% |
| A8 | 23.05% |
| A9 |
| # |
Stratified Answers(%) |
A1 | 22.00% |
|---|---|
| A2 | 14.15% |
| A3 | 1.51% |
| A4 | 11.47% |
| A5 | 9.89% |
| A6 | 14.68% |
| A7 | 20.84% |
| A8 | 5.47% |
| A9 |
| # | Stratified Count | A1 | 84.34 |
|---|---|
| A2 | 54.27 |
| A3 | 5.78 |
| A4 | 43.97 |
| A5 | 37.92 |
| A6 | 56.27 |
| A7 | 79.89 |
| A8 | 20.99 |
| A9 |
Why Parents Feel More Anxious Driving with Children in Winter
Traveling with children significantly heightens concerns, especially during the winter months. In our survey, 85% of participants said their anxiety increases when driving with children in the car during winter, compared to 45% during summer months.
Driving with children in the car doesn’t just increase anxiety. Regardless of the weather, many participants reported changing how they drive in the following ways when children are in the car:
- 59% drive slower
- 52% avoid risky maneuvers
- 48% avoid driving in severe weather
- 39% avoid driving during active snowfall
This shift reflects a protective instinct, where routine activities become a series of calculated decisions, and it’s a mentality many at Richmond Vona understand. Several team members, including Co-Founder and CEO John Richmond and Co-Founder Keith Vona, are parents and understand why winter driving triggers heightened caution.
Does your anxiety increase when driving with your children in the car versus without in the winter?
| # | Answers | Answers(%) | Count |
Stratified Answers(%) |
Stratified Count |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A1 | Yes | 85.00% | 85 | 91.08% | 91.08 |
| A2 | No | 15.00% | 15 | 8.92% | 8.92 |
| # | Answers | A1 | Yes |
|---|---|
| A2 | No |
| # | Answers(%) | A1 | 85.00% |
|---|---|
| A2 | 15.00% |
| # | Count | A1 | 85 |
|---|---|
| A2 | 15 |
| # |
Stratified Answers(%) |
A1 | 91.08% |
|---|---|
| A2 | 8.92% |
| # | Stratified Count | A1 | 91.08 |
|---|---|
| A2 | 8.92 |
Does your anxiety increase when driving with your children in the car versus without in the summer?
| # | Answers | Answers(%) | Count |
Stratified Answers(%) |
Stratified Count |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A1 | Yes | 45.00% | 45 | 39.11% | 39.11 |
| A2 | No | 55.00% | 55 | 60.89% | 60.89 |
| # | Answers | A1 | Yes |
|---|---|
| A2 | No |
| # | Answers(%) | A1 | 45.00% |
|---|---|
| A2 | 55.00% |
| # | Count | A1 | 45 |
|---|---|
| A2 | 55 |
| # |
Stratified Answers(%) |
A1 | 39.11% |
|---|---|
| A2 | 60.89% |
| # | Stratified Count | A1 | 39.11 |
|---|---|
| A2 | 60.89 |
How does your driving behavior differ during driving with your children in the car versus without?
| # | Answers | Respondents(%) | Answers | Count |
Stratified Respondent(%) |
Stratified Answers(%) |
Stratified Count |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A1 | I drive slower with my children in the car | 59.00% | 27.57% | 59 | 59.75% | 27.14% | 59.75 |
| A2 | I avoid risky maneuvers (U-turns, switching lanes frequently) when my children are present | 52.00% | 24.30% | 52 | 50.57% | 22.97% | 50.57 |
| A3 | I avoid driving in sever weather conditions when my children are present | 48.00% | 22.43% | 48 | 49.41% | 22.44% | 49.41 |
| A4 | I avoid driving when it’s actively snowing with my children in the car | 39.00% | 18.22% | 39 | 47.61% | 21.63% | 47.61 |
| A5 | I do not change my driving behavior. | 16.00% | 7.48% | 16 | 12.79% | 5.81% | 12.79 |
| A6 | Other | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0 |
| # | Answers | A1 | I drive slower with my children in the car |
|---|---|
| A2 | I avoid risky maneuvers (U-turns, switching lanes frequently) when my children are present |
| A3 | I avoid driving in sever weather conditions when my children are present |
| A4 | I avoid driving when it’s actively snowing with my children in the car |
| A5 | I do not change my driving behavior. |
| A6 | Other |
| # | Respondents(%) | A1 | 59.00% |
|---|---|
| A2 | 52.00% |
| A3 | 48.00% |
| A4 | 39.00% |
| A5 | 16.00% |
| A6 | 0.00% |
| # | Answers | A1 | 27.57% |
|---|---|
| A2 | 24.30% |
| A3 | 22.43% |
| A4 | 18.22% |
| A5 | 7.48% |
| A6 | 0.00% |
| # | Count | A1 | 59 |
|---|---|
| A2 | 52 |
| A3 | 48 |
| A4 | 39 |
| A5 | 16 |
| A6 | 0 |
| # |
Stratified Respondent(%) |
A1 | 59.75% |
|---|---|
| A2 | 50.57% |
| A3 | 49.41% |
| A4 | 47.61% |
| A5 | 12.79% |
| A6 |
| # |
Stratified Answers(%) |
A1 | 24.14% |
|---|---|
| A2 | 22.97% |
| A3 | 22.44% |
| A4 | 21.63% |
| A5 | 5.81% |
| A6 |
*Based on our survey of 100 responders in the United States
How Winterization Costs Shape Driver Safety and Confidence
While many participants recognize that vehicle maintenance improves winter safety, cost often limits what gets done—41% of participants reported that the cost of services played a role in their decision not to winterize their car.
More broadly, 71% of participants said cost is one of the top three factors influencing the frequency of routine vehicle maintenance. That financial pressure leads many families to delay inspections, stretch worn parts, or skip seasonal prep, even when they know those steps would make winter driving feel safer.
Winterization Services
Winterization is the routine seasonal preparation that helps a car handle cold-weather conditions. Survey responses showed wide variation in how recently participants winterized their vehicles. Some had completed winterization within weeks, while others said they’d never done it or weren’t sure what winterization meant at all.
Of the most common winterization services:
- 70% of participants had their cars’ fluids checked.
- 59% of participants had tires inspected.
- 51% of participants had antifreeze maintenance performed.
- 50% of participants had their car batteries inspected.
Winter Tires
Regarding tires, 56% of participants said they do not switch to winter or snow-specific tires, while 44% do. Among those who use winter tires, 86% said the tires make them feel safer due to increased traction, better control, and shorter stopping distances.
For participants who don’t use winter tires, 53% reported cost as the primary reason, followed by a preference for all-season tires. While many parents understand the safety benefits of winter tires, affordability often limits what’s possible.
What Safety Features Parents Value Most in Winter Weather
When we asked participants which vehicle safety features they prioritize while driving in winter weather with children, assuming cost wasn’t a factor, the responses painted a clear hierarchy of what helps families feel protected.
Of the common vehicle winterization safety features:
- 61% of participants prioritized blind spot monitoring
- 58% of participants prioritized brake assistance
- 54% of participants prioritized emergency kits
- 49% of participants prioritized rearview cameras
Although many respondents stated they didn’t currently have every feature on their list, the answers revealed a universal theme. Participants weren’t looking for luxury upgrades. They were looking for features that reduce uncertainty and help them respond quickly when conditions change.
What safety features in a vehicle do you prioritize while driving in winter weather with children? (Cost isn’t a factor and these features do not necessarily need to be in your vehicle currently)
| # | Answers | Respondents(%) | Answers | Count |
Stratified Respondent(%) |
Stratified Answers(%) |
Stratified Count |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A1 | Advance Airbag System | 29.00% | 7.69% | 29 | 26.43% | 7.14% | 26.43 |
| A2 | Rearview Camera | 49.00% | 13.00% | 49 | 53.80% | 14.54% | 53.8 |
| A3 | Lane Departure Warning | 32.00% | 8.49% | 32 | 28.85% | 7.80% | 28.85 |
| A4 | Advance Safety Car Seats (for your children) | 35.00% | 9.28% | 35 | 32.11% | 8.67% | 32.11 |
| A5 | Blindspot Monitoring | 61.00% | 16.18% | 61 | 57.43% | 15.52% | 57.83 |
| A6 | LED Lights | 19.00% | 5.04% | 19 | 18.83% | 5.09% | 18.83 |
| A7 | Brake assistance | 58.00% | 15.38% | 58 | 62.63% | 16.92% | 62.63 |
| A8 | Emergency Kits | 54.00% | 14.32% | 54 | 50.38% | 13.61% | 50.38 |
| A9 | Emergency crash/call detection | 40.00% | 10.61% | 40 | 39.66% | 10.72% | 39.66 |
| A10 | Other | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0 |
| # | Answers | A1 | Advance Airbag System |
|---|---|
| A2 | Rearview Camera |
| A3 | Lane Departure Warning |
| A4 | Advance Safety Car Seats (for your children) |
| A5 | Blindspot Monitoring |
| A6 | LED Lights |
| A7 | Brake assistance |
| A8 | Emergency Kits |
| A9 | Emergency crash/call detection |
| A10 | Other |
| # | Respondents(%) | A1 | 29.00% |
|---|---|
| A2 | 49.00% |
| A3 | 32.00% |
| A4 | 35.00% |
| A5 | 61.00% |
| A6 | 19.00% |
| A7 | 58.00% |
| A8 | 54.00% |
| A9 | 40.00% |
| A10 | 0.00% |
| # | Answers | A1 | 7.69% |
|---|---|
| A2 | 13.00% |
| A3 | 8.49% |
| A4 | 9.28% |
| A5 | 16.18% |
| A6 | 5.04% |
| A7 | 15.38% |
| A8 | 14.32% |
| A9 | 10.61% |
| A10 | 0.00% |
| # | Count | A1 | 29 |
|---|---|
| A2 | 49 |
| A3 | 32 |
| A4 | 35 |
| A5 | 61 |
| A6 | 19 |
| A7 | 58 |
| A8 | 54 |
| A9 | 40 |
| A10 | 0 |
| # |
Stratified Respondent(%) |
A1 | 26.43% |
|---|---|
| A2 | 53.80% |
| A3 | 28.85% |
| A4 | 32.11% |
| A5 | 57.43% |
| A6 | 18.83% |
| A7 | 62.63% |
| A8 | 50.38% |
| A9 | 39.66% |
| A10 |
| # |
Stratified Answers(%) |
A1 | 7.14% |
|---|---|
| A2 | 14.54% |
| A3 | 7.80% |
| A4 | 8.67% |
| A5 | 15.52% |
| A6 | 5.09% |
| A7 | 16.92% |
| A8 | 13.61% |
| A9 | 10.72% |
| A10 |
| # | Stratified Count | A1 | 26.43 |
|---|---|
| A2 | 53.8 |
| A3 | 28.85 |
| A4 | 32.11 |
| A5 | 57.83 |
| A6 | 18.83 |
| A7 | 62.63 |
| A8 | 50.38 |
| A9 | 39.66 |
| A10 |
What Information Parents Want Most About Winter Driving Safety
While some participants expressed uncertainty about what additional information would be helpful, strong themes emerged from the survey. Participants consistently requested clearer guidance on road conditions, vehicle preparation, and emergency response procedures.
Below is information on the topics that participants requested most.
What to Do if You Slide on Ice in the Winter
The safest response is to remain calm, ease off the accelerator, and steer gently in the direction you want the vehicle to go. Sudden braking or overcorrection can make the slide worse, especially on packed snow or black ice.
Signs That There’s Ice on the Road
Black ice was one of the most frequently mentioned fears. Watch for glossy-looking pavement, reduced tire spray from other vehicles, or temperatures hovering near freezing after precipitation. Bridges and overpasses freeze first, and drivers should always approach them with extra caution.
Where to Stay Updated on Current Weather and Traffic Conditions
Parents said real-time information helps them decide whether to delay travel or change routes. Local news outlets, state DOT cameras, weather apps, and traffic alerts can help families avoid untreated roads, closures, and accident-heavy areas.
What Winter Tires Are Right For You
If you frequently drive in cold, slushy, or icy conditions, true winter tires provide the best grip and stopping power. All-weather tires can be a good compromise for milder climates, but they won’t outperform winter tires during extreme cold. The right choice depends on driving frequency, location, and comfort level.
Car Winterization: How to Get Your Car Ready for Winter
Winterization involves preparing your vehicle for cold-weather driving by checking fluids, brakes, tires, the battery, and heating systems. These steps reduce breakdown risk and potential liability if a vehicle isn’t operating safely. In winter conditions, poorly maintained vehicles can increase the risk of crashes, thereby raising the likelihood of being held responsible for a resulting accident. Even basic preparation can make winter travel less stressful.
What to Do in an Emergency in Severe Winter Weather
If you’re in your car during severe winter weather, pull over safely, turn on hazard lights, and stay in the vehicle unless there is immediate danger. Run the heat intermittently, crack a window slightly, and rely on emergency supplies until help arrives.
We Know Winters at Richmond Vona, And We’re Here If You Have Questions
Winter driving in Western New York isn’t just a season; it’s a shared experience that shapes how families plan their days, protect their kids, and move through their communities. Our team understands that, because many of us have lived through these winters our entire lives. We know what it means to navigate icy commutes and whiteout conditions, and how overwhelming things can feel after an accident.
If you ever have questions about winter driving safety, liability after a collision, or what steps to take next, Richmond Vona is here to help with clear guidance and open communication. As a firm built on open communication and personalized advice, we believe people deserve clear answers, not pressure.
You deserve a team that treats you with dignity, listens closely, and stands by you through every step of the process. Reach out for answers anytime at 716-500-5678.
YOUR FUTURE IS WORTH FIGHTING FOR
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