by Jessica A. Tucker

Created on: January 17, 2011   Last Updated: October 15, 2011

Winter can be a horrible time of the year to be out and about on the roads and highways. Once a winter storm sets in, bringing blowing snow, sleet, limited visibility and slippery conditions, the best choice for drivers is to avoid driving when possible. However, sometimes we do not have that option; whether it be for employment, business, family obligations, or an engagement we simply cannot miss. In the case that a trip is unavoidable, the following provides

some tips and an insightful look into roads and areas that are often best avoided during a winter storm.   

Check your local Road Report

Before heading out in the winter, especially, when travelling through mountainous areas, long highway trips or even across town, it is smart to check your local road reports and highway cams for any road closures, accidents or bad conditions to avoid in your travels. Simply typing “road conditions [your area]” into your favorite search engine, such as Google, Bing, or Yahoo, should take you directly to your local road reports, closures, and road cams.   

Off the beaten track.

Side roads, low travelled streets, avenues, and back lanes are usually the last of roads to be cleaned by snow removal crews during the throws of a winter storm. These are all areas often best left avoided during a winter storm, especially when the snow is deep. The decision is, of course, left best to your personal judgement, the capability of your vehicle, and the necessity of your trip. 

Mountain passes and highways

During a winter storm, usually the only vehicles you will find on the long stretches of North American highways and mountain passes, are the vehicles that have to be there. These vehicles usually include many large, heavy hauling, transport trucks, large four wheel drive trucks, and a collection of SUV’s, all on a mission to get somewhere. Unless, you have to be travelling the high elevation passes, major highways, or any mountainous, snowy areas that may be considered dangerous during a winter storm, they are all good roads to avoid unless you are an extremely experienced driver.  

Dangerous roads.

As winter storms usually bring with them, lots of snow, reckless drivers, and icy conditions, any steep hills, windy roads and sharp corners are usually another smart place to avoid. Why put yourself in a situation you do not have to be in? Steep hills and grades are often slippery and slushy during a winter storm, causing

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