Winter Weather Creates Road Hazards for Travelers

This post summarizes a recent FOX Weather interview with Storm Tracker Brandon Copic about winter travel safety during the holiday season.

As a weather and transportation safety specialist with 30 years of experience, I break down Copic’s advice, highlight the primary hazards like snow, ice and freezing rain, and provide an actionable checklist to help travelers prepare for rapidly changing winter conditions.

Table of Contents

Why winter travel is riskier during the holidays

Holiday travel often means longer drives, crowded roads and travel under time pressure — all factors that amplify risk when winter weather arrives.

Rapidly changing conditions can turn a routine commute into a dangerous situation in minutes.

Key hazards to watch for

Brandon Copic emphasized the main weather threats that make roads treacherous.

Knowing what to expect lets you plan and respond appropriately.

Snow: Reduces visibility and creates slick surfaces that lengthen stopping distances.

Ice: Black ice is especially hazardous because it’s hard to see and causes sudden loss of traction.

Freezing rain: Coats roads and vehicles with a glaze of ice, making walking and driving extremely dangerous.

High winds and wind chill: Wind can blow snow into whiteout conditions and lower ambient temperatures enough to increase the risk of frostbite and hypothermia.

Practical pre-trip checklist

Preparation is the most effective way to reduce risk on winter roads.

Before you leave, complete a brief checklist to ensure your vehicle and supplies are ready for the worst-case scenario.

Vehicle maintenance and emergency kit

Vehicle systems: Copic reminded viewers that simple maintenance checks can prevent many cold-weather breakdowns.

Pay attention to tires and batteries — the two components most likely to fail in freezing conditions.

Tires: Check tread depth and tire pressure; consider winter tires if you expect consistent snow and ice.

Battery: Cold temperatures reduce battery capacity; have it tested and replace weak batteries before a long trip.

Fluids: Ensure antifreeze, windshield washer fluid rated for freezing temperatures, and full fuel levels.

Emergency supplies: Pack items that will keep you safe and visible if you become stranded.

Blankets and warm clothing: Include insulated blankets, hats and gloves to prevent heat loss.

Food and water: Nonperishable snacks and at least one gallon of water per person for 24 hours.

Lighting and signaling: Flashlight with extra batteries, reflective vest, and road flares or triangles.

Basic tools: Shovel, ice scraper, jumper cables, tow strap and traction aids (sand or traction mats).

Staying informed on the road

Timely information can be the difference between a smooth trip and a dangerous one.

Copic urged travelers to monitor forecasts closely and use multiple alert sources.

Use alerts, apps and local advisories

Subscribe to weather alerts on your phone. Keep a reliable weather app on your home screen, and check state DOT traffic and road condition maps before and during your trip.

When advisories or warnings are issued, treat them seriously. Consider delaying travel until conditions improve.

Here is the source article for this story: Winter weather conditions poised to create road hazards for travelers | Latest Weather Clips