ROCHESTER—Today, the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee (GTSC) joined with state and local traffic safety and law enforcement partners to remind drivers to stay aware of winter driving conditions and to adjust speed accordingly. Statewide data from the Institute for Traffic Safety Management and Research shows that an average of 32% of speed-related crashes from 2021 through 2023 occurred during the months of December through February, when the state’s weather is the most hazardous.

"Speeding at any time is not acceptable and the heightened risk in inclement weather is not worth taking the chance,” Department of Motor Vehicles Commissioner and Governor's Traffic Safety Committee Chair Mark J.F. Schroeder said. “Changing weather requires you to slow down to be more vigilant of your driving behaviors."

New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James said, “Education and enforcement are vital in bringing awareness to the dangers of speeding and speed-related crashes. If motorists must travel in inclement weather, we ask that they be mindful of the current road conditions by slowing down and obeying the reduced speed limit, and staying alert and focused. I thank our partners at the Department of Motor Vehicles for their shared efforts to reduce speed-related crashes and improve safe travel for drivers and passengers on New York’s roads.” 

State Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez said, “With snow and ice season firmly upon us, it is more important than ever for drivers to use caution when driving in inclement weather. If you don’t have to be out on the road when it’s snowing, be smart and stay home. However, if you need to drive, make sure you are prepared and give yourself plenty of time. Slow down and remain alert at all times when behind the wheel, and please give room to our plow drivers who are out working to clear the roads and keep everyone safe.” 

Monroe County Executive Adam Bello said, “Speeding is the primary cause of traffic crashes in Monroe County. While speeding is always dangerous, it becomes even more so during winter driving conditions. With snow, sleet, and ice expected throughout the winter, I urge all residents to follow the safe driving recommendations issued by the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee and the DMV. As always, drive with caution, remember to slow down, be safe, and be prepared.”

Delaware County Sheriff and President of the NYS Sheriffs’ Association, Craig DuMond, said, “Winter is upon us, and we must be prepared for bad road conditions.  Icy and snowy roads require drivers to reduce their speed to a reasonable and prudent level.  Even when the roads are slick, we can avoid crashes by simply slowing down.  The Sheriffs of New York State want you to be safe on the roads this winter, so be aware of the road conditions and drive accordingly.”

Before driving, the DMV and GTSC recommend these tips:

• Check tire tread.
• Fill the gas tank.
• Clear/clean all lights and windows.
• Remove all snow and ice including on top of the vehicle.
• Ensure the vehicle’s heater and defroster are working properly.
• Make sure the recommended amount of antifreeze is in the radiator.
• Get familiar with a new vehicle before driving in harsh weather conditions.
• Equip your car with emergency supplies, including a shovel, flares, jumper cables, rope, ice scraper, portable radio, flashlight, blankets, and extra warm clothes.
• Winterize your vehicle by checking windshield wipers, filling washer fluid, and maintaining good tire tread.
• Inform a responsible person of your destination, intended route, and estimated time of arrival. 

When ready to drive, follow these tips:

• Warm up the car so the defroster clears the windows.
• Turn on headlights whenever windshield wipers are on. New York State law makes this mandatory.
• Do not exceed the speed limit and always adjust speed to the road conditions.
• Leave plenty of room between vehicles.
• Don't try to pass or weave in and out of traffic. All drivers must be prepared to react if other drivers start to slide.
• Do not drive during ice or snowstorms unless absolutely necessary.
• When sleet, freezing rain, or snow begins to fall, remember that bridges, ramps, and overpasses will freeze first. Be aware that slippery spots may remain after snow is removed.
• Never follow a snowplow too closely or attempt to pass one. Drive well behind a snowplow where the road has been freshly cleared.
• Adjust speed for road conditions and schedule extra time for winter travel.
• Use extra caution on bridges, as they freeze more quickly than road surfaces.
• Have a cellphone handy but do not text while driving; texting while driving is dangerous and illegal, and it becomes even more dangerous during storms.

The National Highway Safety Administration also offers winter driving tips and suggests keeping these supplies in the vehicle: 

• Snow shovel, broom, and ice scraper.
• Abrasive material such as sand or kitty litter in case the vehicle gets stuck in the snow.
• Jumper cables, a flashlight, and warning devices such as flares and emergency markers.
• Blankets.
• A cell phone with charger, water, food, and any necessary medicine.  

Motorists, commuters, and long-distance travelers alike should check 511NY before getting on the road to determine if travel is advisable. The free travel information system is accessible 24 hours per day by calling 511, visiting 511NY, or downloading the free 511NY mobile app, which is available for iOS and Android. The service provides real-time traffic conditions, access to more than 1,000 live traffic cameras, and links to information about air, rail and transit services.

The 511NY website features a winter travel advisory system with real-time travel reports and a color-coded map indicating which state roads are snow-covered, ice-covered, wet, dry, or closed. The system provides updated snow and ice conditions for interstates and other heavily traveled roads as reported by snowplow operators.

For more information about safe winter driving, visit NY.gov's page on winter driving.