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The view from inside a Utah Department of Transportation snow plow Thursday, Dec. 9, 2021, on Interstate 80 in Parley's Canyon.

Photo supplied, Utah Department of Transportation

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Northern Utah was under a winter storm warning on Monday, Dec. 26, 2016.

Standard-Examiner File Photo

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Fresh snow covers Central Ogden on Wednesday, April 15, 2015.

BENJAMIN ZACK/STANDARD-EXAMINER

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Roads are slick across Northern Utah after a snowstorm coated the Wasatch Front in a few inches of snow.

Photo supplied/Utah Department of Transportation

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Utah may still be waiting for its first snowfall in the valleys but its almost certainly coming soon. That seasonal milestone usually comes around the end of November or beginning of December, so it’s likely to be right around the corner.

That means drivers need to get ready.

Most of us have been on the roads with those flakes falling all around us. Sometimes they are big and seem to fall gently while other times they come down fast and are blown in disorienting  directions. Our hands grip the steering wheel tightly, never sure if or when we are going to hit a dangerous slick spot.

But while you can’t always predict when the storms will it, how significant they will be or how much your driving will be impacted, you can keep a few things in mind when on the road in the snow.

A blog post last year from AAA Connect titled “Winter Weather Tire Tips” by Jen Miranda made these suggestions:

“They say the best advice for driving in severe winter weather is not to drive at all. But if you must hit the roads in winterized conditions, a few tips, coupled with the right tires, can help keep you safe.

• Avoid using cruise control in winter conditions, as a steady speed can increase the chances of hydroplaning.
• If you begin to skid, steer into the skid to help “catch” the sliding rear of the car. For example, if your rear wheels are skidding right, steer to the right, and if the rear wheels are skidding left, steer to the left. This allows your car to regain traction in the correct direction so you don’t have to overcorrect to stay in line.
• Accelerate and decelerate slowly to give your tires time to gain and maintain grip with slippery surfaces.
• Don’t stop when going uphill because you could lose traction and slide backwards.
• Keep extra distance from other vehicles, approximately 8-10 seconds of space.”

The same post discussed in detail the most important component in being ready for winter driving and that is taking care of your tires.

“Proper winter tire preparation is more than just a seasonal chore; it’s a crucial step in protecting yourself, your family and everyone else you share the road with,” Miranda wrote.

“Driving on snow, ice, or even cold, wet pavement without the right tires can be incredibly dangerous. Your tires are the only part of your car that touches the road, and if they can’t get a good grip, you lose control over steering and braking.

“The statistics highlight the seriousness of the situation. Nearly half a million vehicle crashes and over 2,000 road deaths are attributed to icy, slushy, or snow-covered roads each year. These aren’t just numbers; they represent real people and families affected by accidents that could have been prevented.

“Taking the time to check that you have the proper tires for winter conditions is a direct investment in the safety of your loved ones and a simple way to gain peace of mind every time you get behind the wheel during the colder months.”

There are many resources available to help drivers decide how to best get their tires ready for winter, including finding online tips like the post from AAA and visiting local tire specialists to be informed about the status of your tires.

In addition, the Utah Department of Transportation just this week introduced a new online quiz designed to “help Utah drivers determine whether their vehicles meet winter traction requirements based on where they plan to travel and the type of vehicle they drive.”

Here is the complete release from UDOT about the new quiz and other winter driving requirements drivers should be aware of:

“The Utah Department of Transportation has introduced a new online quiz to help Utah drivers determine whether their vehicles meet winter traction requirements based on where they plan to travel and the type of vehicle they drive. The quiz covers all state-owned roads throughout Utah.

“‘Nobody should have to be an expert on tires or traction laws to know whether they’re prepared for winter driving,’ UDOT Traveler Information Director Becky Parker said. ‘We’ve spent years helping Utahns understand these requirements, and this quiz takes that education a step further. Instead of searching through a list of rules to figure out which ones apply to their vehicle, drivers can now have that information presented directly to them.’

“UDOT also helps travelers prepare for trips to Utah’s popular recreation destinations through its Roads to Recreation program, which provides area-specific information about road conditions, parking, transportation options and travel restrictions. The program recently expanded to include the Timpanogos Area, joining the Cottonwood Canyons, Wasatch Back, Ogden Valley and Zion Area. With this newest addition, Roads to Recreation now provides area-specific travel information for all ski resorts accessed from the Wasatch Front.

“The new quiz comes as UDOT and its enforcement partners begin their second winter season of stricter traction requirements for Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons.

“The enhanced requirements, introduced following the passage of HB 196 in 2025, allow UDOT to enforce traction requirements up to 24 hours before a storm begins. The updated administrative rule also introduced a new “Class Three” designation, which strengthens traction requirements in Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons, including a minimum tire tread depth of 5/32 inch for vehicles using qualifying tires rather than traction devices. Law enforcement agencies may also issue citations to drivers who violate the traction law.

“‘Preparing for winter travel includes more steps than just checking the forecast,’ Parker said. ‘Drivers need to understand what equipment their vehicles require, what conditions to expect on the roads and what transportation options are available. We want to make it easier for people to find that information before they leave home, so they’re more prepared for the conditions ahead.’

“UDOT’s Cottonwood Canyons Sticker Program began its sixth season today, offering free, voluntary tire inspections at over 160 participating tire shops along the Wasatch Front and back through Feb. 28, 2027. Stickers are not required to enter the canyons, but all vehicles must comply with traction requirements when the law is in effect.

“UDOT encourages drivers to check their vehicle’s tires, reduce their speed during winter conditions and consider public transit or carpooling to reach ski resorts. Drivers can take the new traction law quiz on any of UDOT’s traveler information sites.”

For more information on Utah traction requirements or to take the quiz, go to http://connect.udot.utah.gov.