Ukraine is being buried in snow: how to drive safely in winter and avoid accidents

Heavy snowfall and blizzards have swept across Ukraine, causing traffic disruptions on major highways. Due to the severe weather conditions, more than 200 traffic accidents have already been reported, and in some regions, freight traffic has been temporarily restricted.

According to Minister of Community and Territorial Development Oleksiy Kuleba, 970 snow-removal vehicles and more than 1,000 municipal workers have been mobilized to address the effects of the bad weather. However, even with the active efforts of these services, winter roads remain a high-risk area.

Below are the key rules for winter driving that will help you reach your destination safely in snow and freezing temperatures.

Preparing for a Winter Trip: What You Must Bring

A winter trip begins long before you start the engine. A prepared driver is a safe driver.

It is recommended to have the following in your car:

• a folding shovel;

• a tow rope;

• snow chains or traction mats;

• spare gloves and warm clothing;

• a pocket hand warmer;

• drinking water;

• high-calorie foods (chocolate, nuts).

The car must be:

• at least half full of fuel;

• filled with winter windshield washer fluid;

• equipped with a serviceable and fully charged battery.

Before setting out, it’s important to completely clear the car of snow and ice. A “cap” of snow on the roof can slide onto the windshield when braking and completely block your view—this is a direct risk of a traffic accident.

How to Drive Safely in Snowstorms and Icy Conditions

Winter tires are mandatory in Ukraine. If your car is still on summer or all-season tires, it’s best to avoid driving, especially during heavy snowfall.

Even with good winter tires, a smooth driving style remains a key safety factor:

• avoid sudden acceleration;

• brake early;

• do not make sharp steering turns;

• use a higher gear to reduce traction on the wheels;

• don’t try to swerve sharply out of your lane.

Following Distance, Braking, and ABS Operation in Winter

On snow and ice, stopping distances increase significantly, so you must maintain a greater safe following distance.

It’s important to remember:

• The ABS system does not shorten the stopping distance; it only helps maintain control;

• if your vehicle does not have ABS, use intermittent braking to prevent the wheels from locking up.

Be sure to turn on your low beams, and in poor visibility conditions, turn on your fog lights as well.

Helpful tip: Turn off the music. This will allow you to hear wheel spin more quickly and correct your actions in time.

What to Do If Your Car Starts to Skid

If the car starts to skid:

• in a front-wheel-drive vehicle—gently press the gas pedal;

• for a rear-wheel-drive vehicle—release the accelerator pedal;

• in both cases, turn the steering wheel in the direction of the skid, not against it.

Staying calm and making smooth movements are more important here than making sudden maneuvers.

What to Do If Your Car Is Stuck in the Snow

If your car is stuck:

• try rocking the car back and forth by alternating between first and reverse;

• gently turn the steering wheel to the right and left to find traction;

• place branches, floor mats, or sand tracks under the drive wheels.

Suddenly pressing the gas pedal usually makes the situation worse rather than helping.

Conclusion

Driving in snowy conditions requires extra caution, preparation, and a calm driving style. Even modern safety systems cannot override the laws of physics, so a driver’s main allies in winter are following a safe distance, smooth driving, and common sense.

If weather conditions are critical, it’s better to postpone your trip than to risk your own safety and that of others.

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