You look out and the streets appear good—some wet. You hop in your car, switch and start driving, only to realize that your wheels have lost all traction. You're sliding. Your heart races. Nothing works. Black ice is one of the deadliest winter hazards, often invisible to drivers.

According to a winter‑driving analysis by the Auto Insurance Center, Texas ranks among the top states for winter road fatalities due to icy and snow‑related crashes. During the January 2025 winter storm, TxDOT applied over 1.3 million gallons of brine statewide to pre-treat roads and reduce ice formation — yet officials emphasize that black ice remains unpredictable.

In this place, it is not months of snow in winter driving. It is the black ice, extreme temperatures and roads that become safe or unsafe within a few minutes. It is important to know how to manage such conditions as this might save your life.

A Texas defensive driving course helps you become a safer, more aware driver year-round, which supports better preparedness for hazardous weather conditions. This guide shows you exactly how to stay safe when winter hits.

Understanding Winter Hazards

Winter weather can surprise drivers with freezes, ice storms, and unexpected road conditions.

Black Ice: The Invisible Killer

Black ice is invisible. It is a transparent thin ice on the sidewalk that appears black as you observe the dark road beneath it. It develops when the temperatures are below 30 degrees with the presence of moisture.

Where it forms most:

• Bridges and overpasses (freeze first)

• Shaded spots without sunlight

• Roads near water

• Locations of refreezing of water at night

One day it was 70 and then the next morning it was 25. This sudden shift preconditions all the conditions of driving hazards of ice and snow that Texas suffers. Even with preparation, conditions stay unpredictable.

Northern drivers grow up learning snow and ice. We don't. That makes every winter storm more dangerous here.

How to Drive on Icy Roads

When winter weather hits, everything about your driving needs to change.

Essential Techniques:

• If there's ice, you need three times as much space to stop.

• Cut your speed in half: If the limit is 60 mph, do 30 mph or less on ice.

• Triple your following distance: Normally 3 seconds between cars. On ice, make it 8-10 seconds.

• Move slowly and smoothly: No sudden braking, quick acceleration, or sharp turns. One jerky movement and you're sliding.

• When you slide: Steer where you want to go—in the direction of the skid. Don't hit brakes. Lift off the gas and wait for grip.

• Turn off cruise control: You need total control on slippery roads.

Snow Driving Tips

• Follow tire tracks other vehicles made—they give better traction.

• Start moving gently from stops.

• Brake early and softly.

• Keep momentum on hills—stopping halfway up makes it nearly impossible to restart.

Getting Your Vehicle Ready

Don't wait for the forecast. Prepare now.

Tire Check

• Stick a penny into your tire tread upside down with Lincoln's head pointing in. If you see the top of his head, replace your tires before winter.

• Cold weather drops tire pressure—about 1 PSI per 10 degrees. Check pressure weekly and maintain proper inflation.

Critical Systems

• Battery: Cold cuts battery power by half. Get yours tested free at auto parts stores. Replace if weak.

• Wipers: Install new blades if yours streak. You need clear visibility.

• Antifreeze: Ensure your coolant handles the coldest expected temps.

• Defrosters: Test front and rear defrosters now.

Emergency Kit Essentials

Keep these November through March:

• Charged phone and car charger

• Warm blankets

• Flashlight with batteries

• Water and snacks

• First aid kit

• Jumper cables

• Ice scraper

• Cat litter for traction

• Flares or reflective triangles

• Extra warm clothes

If stuck, stay in your car. It protects you from wind and cold. Run the engine periodically for heat, and crack a window slightly to prevent carbon monoxide buildup.

Why Defensive Driving Skills Matter

Winter weather shows whether you really know how to drive defensively. Optional habits in good weather become life-or-death skills when conditions deteriorate.

A defensive driving course Texas improves your awareness, hazard-spotting ability, and safe control techniques that are valuable in all conditions — including winter. While the course doesn’t focus exclusively on winter driving tips, the skills learned will boost your confidence and reactions when weather turns dangerous.

Apply Principles Now

Suppose other motorists aren't aware of how to deal with ice—most are not. Give everyone extra room.

• Before departure, check conditions at DriveTexas.org or call 1-800-452-9292.

• Avoid steep hills, bridges, or overpasses during tough conditions.

• Inform someone about your route and estimated arrival time.

• If roads become impossible, reverse slowly instead of risking a crash.

Managing Anxiety

Winter driving can cause stress, leading to tense, jerky movements.

• Allow extra commute time.

• Pull over if overwhelmed.

• Listen to calming music.

• Practice deep breathing.

Helpful Technology

• ABS brakes allow steady pressure in emergency stops, preventing lockup.

• Traction control reduces wheel spin. Keep it on.

• Stability control prevents skids automatically.

• Apps like DriveTexas provide real-time road updates and weather alerts.
  
  

Real Experience

One driver from the January 2025 winter storm shared:
"I hit black ice on I-35. My car slid toward the median. Everything from my defensive driving class kicked in—I steered into the skid, stayed off brakes, kept calm. I regained control. Without training, I would've panicked and crashed."

Knowing what to do often makes the difference between a close call and tragedy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do I do if I hit black ice?
Calm down, take your foot off the gas, avoid braking, and steer gently where you want to go.

When does black ice form?
Typically when temperatures drop below 30 degrees, especially early morning (5–9 AM) and late evening.

Do I need winter tires?
Winter tires help but inspect shiny pavement areas for black ice especially on bridges and shaded spots.

How can I spot black ice?
Look for shiny patches on pavement, especially on bridges and shaded spots.

Should I drive fast or slow on ice?
Always slow down—cut your speed by half or more.

What's safest during a storm?
Stay home if possible.

Where do I check road conditions?
Visit DriveTexas.org or call 1-800-452-9292.

Is a defensive driving school useful?
Yes! A Texas defensive driving course teaches hazard recognition, vehicle control, and emergency response. It does not cover specialized winter driving.

Conclusion: Be Ready Now

Winter weather in Texas is unpredictable but doesn’t have to catch you off guard. By applying the tips in this guide and improving your defensive driving skills through trusted courses like drivedefensivelytexas.com, you can navigate winter roads safely and confidently.

Remember to slow down when temperatures drop below freezing, prepare your vehicle early, build an emergency kit, and consider staying home during severe weather. Defensive driving skills protect you for life.

Don’t wait until your wheels lose traction. Act now—your next winter drive could depend on it.