Tips for Driving Safely During Snow and Ice Storms in Upstate New York

Winter storms don’t just create delays. They change how you drive, and how safe you feel behind the wheel. In Upstate New York, especially here in Rochester and across Monroe County, icy roads and fast-moving squalls can turn an ordinary commute into a high-stress situation. For many people, the first snow brings worry, especially if you’ve had a close call on black ice or slid through a stop sign before.

At Horn Wright, LLP, we understand how unpredictable winter driving can feel. Our Rochester-based car crash lawyers have helped countless people after serious crashes during Upstate New York’s harshest weather. If you’ve been injured in a winter driving accident, we’re here to help you understand your rights and hold negligent drivers accountable. While we hope you never need us, it’s good to know we’re here when things go wrong. 

Know the Risks of Winter Roads in Rochester and Monroe County

Lake-effect snow arrives fast. One hour the pavement’s clear, and the next, it’s a whiteout on I-490. Driving here in winter means expecting fast shifts in visibility and surface traction. In places like Irondequoit, Greece, and Brighton, familiar roads can become slick in minutes.

You’ll often see sudden freeze-ups near the Genesee River, especially close to bridges or underpasses. Rural stretches of Route 104 and the Thruway through Monroe County may look safe but hide patches of hard-packed snow or invisible ice. Local drivers know better than to trust dry pavement during a storm.

Even well-salted roads can catch you off guard. Gusts whip snow into drifts near open fields or past Lake Ontario’s shoreline. Knowing where the trouble spots are, and staying alert, can keep you safer.

Check Local Forecasts Before You Drive

Don’t leave your driveway blind to what’s happening beyond your street. Local weather shifts fast in Rochester, so use every tool available. Before you head out, check:

• The National Weather Service station in Buffalo for regional alerts
• Local TV and radio stations like WHAM, WHEC, or WROC for real-time updates
• NY 511 for traffic delays and highway conditions across Monroe County

Apps can help, but always rely on multiple sources. One forecast might downplay conditions, while another issues a travel advisory. Roads through Penfield or Pittsford may be plowed differently than downtown routes. Your safest option is always informed caution.

Prepare Your Car Before Winter Hits

Your vehicle should be winter-ready well before the snow sticks. Rochester’s cold snaps hit early, and they hit hard. Take these steps in late October or early November:

• Install snow tires rated for icy traction
• Keep your gas tank at least half full to prevent fuel line freeze
• Test the battery and replace it if it struggles to hold charge
• Check wiper blades and top off washer fluid with winter mix
• Ensure the heater and defroster work properly
• Pack an emergency kit with gloves, a flashlight, blanket, flares, and granola bars

Don’t wait for the first snowfall. Monroe County’s roads turn dangerous fast, and preparation gives you a real edge.

Slow Down and Increase Your Following Distance

This is about giving your vehicle time to respond. Snow reduces traction, and ice eliminates it altogether. That means stopping distances double or even triple.

Be especially cautious on roads like the Inner Loop, I-590, and Ridge Road, where traffic stacks up fast. When you drive too close, even a small tap on the brakes can send you sliding into the car ahead.

Aim for at least five seconds of space between you and the car in front. At intersections like Monroe Avenue and East Avenue, where congestion meets slick conditions, a few extra seconds can prevent a crash.

Avoid Sudden Movements Behind the Wheel

Sudden moves on ice often lead to loss of control. That’s why winter driving in Rochester means you steer, brake, and accelerate gently. Quick turns or jabs at the brake pedal cause skids, especially near:

• Bridges on I-390 and I-490
• Curved ramps entering or exiting expressways
• Roads with shade cover, like portions of Highland Avenue or Edgemere Drive

If your car starts to slide, ease off the gas and gently steer in the direction you want the front wheels to go. Don’t panic. Smooth adjustments reduce the risk of spinning out.

Know When to Use (and Avoid) Cruise Control

Cruise control gives your foot a break, but on winter roads, it steals your reaction time. On icy highways like I-90 or stretches of Route 531, cruise control can keep accelerating even as traction drops. If your tires start slipping, the system won’t know to stop.

Only use cruise control when roads are completely dry. In Monroe County, that’s rare between November and March. Stick to manual driving when snow, slush, or ice appear.

Watch for Black Ice in Shaded or Elevated Areas

Black ice forms silently. You don’t see it, but you feel it when your tires lose grip. It shows up most on early mornings, particularly on bridges, overpasses, and rural roads with tree cover.

Look out for these risk zones in Rochester and Monroe County:

• Route 590 near the Irondequoit Bay Bridge
• Lake Ontario State Parkway near Durand Eastman Park
• Shaded local roads in Rush, Mendon, and Clarkson

Drive slower through these areas and avoid hard braking. If the road looks wet but your dashboard says it’s below freezing, assume you’re driving on ice.

Use Headlights Wisely in Snow or Low Visibility

Snow reduces visibility even during the day. Don’t rely on automatic headlights to activate, switch them on yourself as soon as flakes start falling.

Low beams work best. High beams reflect off snowflakes and make it harder to see. In neighborhoods like Charlotte or along Park Avenue, where streets get tight and pedestrians walk in the road during storms, headlights help others see you just as much as they help you see.

Clean off all exterior lights before driving. Snow-covered taillights make your car nearly invisible from behind.

Plan Alternative Routes Around Dangerous Zones

Some roads aren’t worth the risk during a storm. Steep hills, narrow lanes, and sharp turns can trap even experienced drivers. Rochester’s geography gives you choices, so use them.

Avoid:

• Steep inclines on Winton Road South or Culver Road
• Unplowed rural roads in Webster or Parma
• Tight corners downtown, especially near South Avenue and Alexander Street

Instead, stick to plowed routes like East Henrietta Road or Monroe Avenue, which the city and county clear more frequently.

Let someone know your route if you're heading out during a storm. If you do get stuck, responders will find you faster.

Know When to Stay Off the Roads Entirely

Sometimes the best decision is to not drive at all. Monroe County and the City of Rochester issue travel advisories or outright bans when conditions become unsafe.

Pay attention to local government alerts on:

• The Monroe County Emergency Management website
• The City of Rochester’s social media pages
• Local news broadcasts for closures and restrictions

If authorities say to stay off the roads, listen. No errand or appointment is worth risking your life, or someone else’s. Snowplows can’t clear roads efficiently with traffic in the way, and emergency services get stretched thin.

What To Do If You Get Stuck or Slide Off the Road

Winter weather can overwhelm even the best drivers. If you find yourself stuck or sliding off the road:

• Stay inside your vehicle unless it’s unsafe
• Turn on your hazard lights
• Call 911 if you’re in immediate danger
• Set out reflective triangles or flares if traffic is nearby
• Conserve fuel by running the engine in short bursts

Keep a phone charger in your glove box. If your phone dies and you're stranded near areas like Mendon Ponds Park or the outskirts of Brockport, help may take longer to reach you.

Drive Smart and Stay Safe All Winter

Winter driving in Rochester demands more than caution. It calls for preparation, awareness, and a willingness to pause when conditions become too dangerous. Whether you’re on a city street or a rural Monroe County road, your choices behind the wheel can protect you, and everyone else around you.

If you’ve been injured in a winter weather accident and believe another driver acted carelessly, Horn Wright, LLP, is here to support you. Our attorneys understand the unique challenges of driving in Upstate New York and are ready to stand by your side if the unexpected happens.