When a winter storm struck New York City in December, the city’s Taxi & Limousine Commission (TLC) warned its licenses of the dangers and offered safety tips. While the TLC recommends staying off the road during heavy snowfall, the agency acknowledged it wasn’t always possible.
If you find yourself driving in these dangerous conditions, please heed the following advice:
If You Must Travel
- Allow for extra travel time. Posted speed limits are for ideal weather conditions. Vehicles take longer to stop on snow and ice than on dry pavement.
- Drive slowly and use major streets or highways whenever possible.
- Maintain a heightened awareness of other vehicles, particularly when approaching or crossing intersections.
Listen to the radio, check online sources, or call the state highway patrol for the latest road conditions. - Four-wheel drive vehicles may make it easier to drive on snow-covered roads, but they do not stop quicker than other vehicles.
- If you skid, steer in the direction you want the car to go, and straighten the wheel when the car moves in the desired direction.
- Know your vehicle’s braking system. Vehicles with antilock brakes require a different braking technique than vehicles without antilock brakes in icy or snowy conditions.
- Try to keep your vehicle’s gas tank as full as possible.
- If you are outside of your vehicle, exercise caution and try to avoid slippery surfaces. Wear sturdy boots that provide traction, keeping in mind that some ice may not be visible. Use handrails when using stairs and take extra care if you are an older adult.
- Dress warmly. Wear loose-fitting, lightweight clothing in layers.
If You Get Stuck on the Road
- Stay with your car. Do not try to walk to safety unless help is visible within 100 yards. You could become disoriented in blowing snow.
- Display a trouble sign if you need help; tie a brightly colored cloth to your antenna or door handle and raise the hood to alert rescuers.
- Start the car and use the heater for about 10 minutes every hour. Keep the exhaust pipe clear of snow to avoid the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Leave the overhead light on when the car is running so you can be seen
- Move your arms and legs to keep blood circulating and to stay warm.
- Keep one window slightly open to let in fresh air. Use a window that is opposite the direction the wind is blowing.
- For automatic alerts, please sign up with Notify NYC at https://a858-nycnotify.nyc.gov/. You can also follow New York City Emergency Management and the Mayor’s Office social media channels.