Before the Trip

Check out road conditions before you go. MoDOT's Traveler Information Map offers current views of road conditions and is available as an app for iPhones and Android phones.

Call MoDOT's toll-free Customer Service Center for current road condition information at 888-ASK-MODOT (888-275-6636). The Customer Service Center is staffed 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Winterize your car with fresh antifreeze, a good battery, a properly operating exhaust system and oil that will withstand the rigors of cold weather.

Do a thorough pre-trip inspection of your vehicle, paying special attention to your tires, brakes, windshield wipers and windshield wiper fluid.

During the Trip

• If possible, postpone your travel until roads have been plowed, treated, and cleared. You don't want to slide off the road, and we don't want to plow around disabled vehicles.
• Slow down and adjust your speed to the conditions.
• Give snowplows plenty of room, and don't pass them.
• Always wear your seat belt.
• Remember that driving is most dangerous when temperatures are near 32 degrees.
• Watch for other vehicles having problems with road conditions.
• Keep mirrors, windows and lights clean; keep your lights on.
• Don't pass other vehicles on or near bridges.
• Keep your fuel tank at least half full.
• If you don't feel comfortable driving, pull off of the highway and park at the first safe place.

Equip Your Vehicle With:

• A flashlight with extra batteries
• A first-aid kit 
• Necessary medications
• Blankets and/or sleeping bags
• Extra mittens or gloves, socks, a warm cap and rain gear
• A small sack of sand to use for traction under your wheels
• A small shovel
• Booster cables
• Small tools - pliers, wrench, screwdriver
• A brightly colored cloth to use as a flag
• Nonperishable foods
• Bottled water

Sharing the Road with Snowplows

Don’t go out during a snowstorm if you can avoid it. If you do, buckle up – always.

If you must go out, here are some tips to share the road with snowplows:

• Give snowplows room to work; don’t tailgate or try to pass
• A “strike team” may include several plow trucks, some with TowPlows and wing plows, and block all lanes on a major highway.  
• Stay at least four car lengths back from snowplows and equipment.
• Plowed snow can create a cloud that can blind drivers following too close. 
• Spreaders on trucks can throw salt, sand or cinders that can damage close-following vehicles. 
• Salt brine trucks have a sign on the back warning motorist to “Liquid Salt, Stay Back.” That is for your safety as well as the drivers. They can’t see you and the brine sprays across three traffic lanes whether you are driving in them or not.  
• Plow truck operators have to focus on snow removal and cannot always watch out for the drivers surrounding them, which means they may not see you if you try to pass or even collide with MoDOT equipment.
• Drive even more slowly in construction zones, even though they are inactive in winter weather.  
• Always have your headlights on, plenty of fuel and wiper fluid and tires with ample tread.

Remember that a snowplow operator’s field of vision is restricted. You may see them, but they may not see you.

Recovering from a Skid

If your rear wheels skid...

• Take your foot off of the accelerator.
• Steer in the direction you want the front wheels to go. For example, if your rear wheels are sliding left, steer left. If they're sliding right, steer right.
• If your rear wheels start sliding the other way as you recover, ease the steering wheel toward that side. You might have to steer left and right a few times to get your vehicle completely under control.
• If you have standard brakes, pump them gently.
• If you have anti-lock brakes (ABS), do not pump the brakes. Apply steady pressure to the brakes. You will feel the brakes pulse — this is normal.

If your front wheels skid...

• Take your foot off the gas and shift to neutral, but don't try to steer immediately.
• As the wheels skid sideways, they will slow the vehicle and traction will return. As it does, steer in the direction you want to go. Then put the transmission in "drive" or release the clutch, and accelerate gently.

If you get stuck...

• Do not spin your wheels. This will only dig you in deeper.
• Turn your wheels from side to side a few times to push snow out of the way.
• Use a light touch on the gas, to ease your car out.
• Use a shovel to clear snow away from the wheels and the underside of the car.
• Pour sand, kitty litter, gravel or salt in the path of the wheels, to help get traction.
• Try rocking the vehicle. (Check your owner's manual first — it can damage the transmission on some vehicles.) Shift from forward to reverse, and back again. Each time you're in gear, give a light touch on the gas until the vehicle gets going.

If You're Stranded in Your Car

• Stay in the vehicle. Don't leave to search for help. It's easy to become disoriented and lost in blowing and drifting snow.
• Display a trouble sign. Hang a brightly colored cloth on the antenna.
• Run the engine for about 10 minutes each hour. Run the heater and turn on the dome light only when the vehicle is running.
• Keep the exhaust pipe clear of snow, and open a window slightly for ventilation.
• Clap hands and move your arms and legs occasionally. Don't stay in one position for too long.
• If more than one person is in the car, take turns sleeping.
• Huddle together for warmth.
• Use newspapers, maps and even car mats for added insulation.