Winter Safe Driving Tips for Drivers in Cincinnati, Miami Valley & Northern Kentucky

How to Stay Safe During Winter Weather — And What You Should Have in Your Vehicle

Winter in Southwest Ohio can change quickly, especially when freezing rain, snow, and “wintry mix” conditions hit the region. Roads in Cincinnati, Dayton, West Chester, and Northern Kentucky can become slick in minutes, reducing traction, visibility, and reaction time.

Whether you're commuting, traveling for the holidays, or running errands, preparing for winter roads is essential. Below are critical safety tips — plus a reminder about the Emergency Roadside Kit every driver should keep on hand (detailed in our previous blog post).

At Onward Roadside, our mission is simple: We Show Up when you need us most.

🚗 1. Slow Down — Black Ice Is Invisible

During freezing rain, bridges, overpasses, ramps, and shaded roadways freeze first.

Even if pavement looks wet:

Reduce speed

Increase following distance

Avoid sudden braking or hard turns

Black ice forms when temperatures hover around 28–34°F — the exact range forecasted for upcoming weather systems in our region.

🧊 2. Avoid Cruise Control on Slippery Roads

Cruise control reduces your ability to react if your vehicle begins to slide.

Stay fully in control by managing speed manually in winter conditions.

🚙 3. Keep Your Fuel Tank at Least Half Full

This prevents fuel-line freezing and keeps your vehicle running longer during delays, breakdowns, or traffic backups caused by icy roads.

It also ensures you can keep your heater running safely if stuck or stranded.

🧯 4. Prepare Your Winter Emergency Roadside Kit

Every winter, we see drivers unprepared for breakdowns or weather-related emergencies.

Make sure your vehicle is stocked with essentials such as:

• Blanket or cold-weather gear

• Ice scraper & snow brush

• Jumper cables

• Flashlight & batteries

• Cell phone charger

• Basic first-aid supplies

• Non-perishable snacks & water

For a full checklist and deeper breakdown of each item, read our blog post:

“Essential Roadside Emergency Kit Items” — a must-read before winter conditions worsen.

🔋 5. Check Your Battery Health

• Cold temperatures dramatically reduce battery performance.

• Signs you should test or replace your battery:

• Slow engine cranking

• Dimming lights

• Electrical issues

• Battery older than 3–4 years

A weak battery can fail without warning in freezing temps.

🛞 6. Inspect Tires for Tread & Pressure

Tire pressure drops as temperatures fall — often 1 PSI for every 10 degrees.

• Before the winter weather hits:

• Check PSI

• Inspect tread depth

• Ensure your spare is inflated and usable

Good tires are one of your best defenses against ice and snow.

🚨 7. Know When to Delay Travel

If freezing rain or a wintry mix is forecasted for Cincinnati, Dayton, or Northern Kentucky:

• Avoid unnecessary driving

• Delay departure until road crews treat major routes

• Follow local advisories from ODOT, KYTC, and NWS

Even experienced drivers can lose control on untreated ice.

8. If You Become Stranded, Stay With Your Vehicle

In severe winter weather:

• Turn on hazard lights

• Keep your exhaust clear of snow

• Run your heater intermittently to conserve fuel

• Stay inside unless in immediate danger

Your vehicle is easier for rescuers to locate and safer than exposure to freezing conditions.

Bonus Tip: Keep Emergency Roadside Assistance Info Handy

We provide services that become especially critical during winter:

• Jump starts

• Lockouts

• Tire changes

• Fuel delivery

• Mobile EV charging

• Winch-outs & recovery

• Heavy-duty diesel roadside services

Call: 513-951-5500

Visit: www.onwardroadside.net

When freezing rain or snow hits, response times across all providers can increase — planning ahead keeps you safer