I’ve already been stuck in traffic due to winter conditions. Meaning it’s time to provide reminders about dangerous driving habits during the dark, cold, and frigid months. There are a few mistakes that police officers will immediately stop you for. 

Winter driving mistakes police officers are watching for 

1. Failure to defrost your windshield 

Sometimes you might be running late for work, so you might not defrost your windshield before leaving. Failure to defrost the windshield or windows on your car is illegal in some states. 

It limits your visibility, making it more difficult to see the road or other drivers. Fog on the windows and mirrors also obstructs your view. 

In some states, like South Carolina, every vehicle is required to have a working device on the windshield that cleans rain, snow, and other moisture. 

2. Failure to adjust driving habits for road conditions 

Traffic conditions in the winter months can get dicey as roads become slippery. It may take a longer time to stop than normal. Therefore, you need to slow down and give other cars extra space. 

Police officers will stop you for driving too fast in inclement conditions. Also, tailgating or following too closely can make it difficult to stop in time if the car in front of you slams its brakes. You don’t want to rear-end someone. 

Some people have too much faith in their AWD system, but the improved traction doesn’t improve your stopping ability. 

3. Forgetting to turn your lights on 

It gets dark much earlier in the winter. Plus, whiteout conditions and cloudy days make it harder to see. If you forgot to use your headlights, you might get pulled over. Without them, it’s harder for other drivers to see you. 

Sometimes, automatic headlights don’t activate your taillights, making it hard to spot you from the rear. Also, your high beams can be too bright  for the snow and cause blinding reflections. 

In some states, like Illinois, drivers are required to use their headlights and wipers while it snows, sleets, rains, or if it’s foggy. 

4. Neglecting your tires 

In some states, like Colorado, it’s illegal to drive without winter tires or snow chains. Also, it’s dangerous to neglect your tires by allowing the pressure to dip too low. 

Low pressure causes the tire’s tread to deform and reduces contact with the road. This reduces grip on slick surfaces. Plus, the reduced traction increases the risk of skidding or losing control. 

Also, underinflated tires are more prone to heat buildup and blowouts, particularly at higher speeds and under heavy loads. 

5. Sudden movements 

Driving in winter conditions can make some drivers nervous as vehicles are more prone to sliding and visibility is reduced. This may lead to the infamous panic brake. Drivers may suddenly slam on their brakes and hydroplane instead of slowly stopping. 

Also, suddenly jerking the steering wheel or suddenly accelerating at an aggressive pace increases the risk of slipping and losing control. Slow down and relax. 

6. Leaving your car unattended while it heats up 

It can be painful to run outside and get in a cold car. That’s why drivers often start their car and head inside while it defrosts. However, this leaves your vehicle vulnerable to theft. 

Stealing cars is often a crime of opportunity. So, if a criminal notices that your vehicle is running without anyone in it, they realize that it’s the perfect time to strike. 

Some folks don’t turn their car off at gas stations or stores when they make quick trips inside, so it stays warm. That’s a dangerous mistake. Always lock the doors and take your keys with you. 

7. Failing to clean snow off your car 

Snow may collect on the roof of your vehicle, the hood, and the rear. As a result, falling snow can block your head and tail lights, making it more difficult to see or be seen. 

What happens if you hit the brakes and snow falls off the roof, blocking your windshield? You won’t be able to see! Also, large chunks of snow and ice can hit the windshield of the car behind you, blocking their vision. 

According to Fix Auto USA, in states like Connecticut, driving without clearing snow off your car is illegal. It’s considered reckless and makes your vehicle unsafe.