Winter Travel Safety
- Kayla Quinnell
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
Winter has officially clocked in for its shift—coffee in hand, attitude locked in, and absolutely no intention of being predictable. If you’ve lived in eastern Montana or western North Dakota long enough, you already know: the weather out here changes faster than a semi on black ice can ruin your day.
So let’s talk winter road survival. Realistic. Helpful. And just a little fun—because if we can’t laugh at the wind trying to peel our faces off, what can we laugh at?
Check the Weather Before the Weather Checks You
Winter storms in our region don’t send RSVP cards. They just show up, usually sideways.
Must-use tools:
Montana Road Report (MDT):
North Dakota Travel Info (NDDOT):
Weather apps: WeatherBug, Windy, NOAA, MyRadar
Local alerts: County emergency notifications, local sheriff pages, and community Facebook groups (yes… even those very “spirited” ones)
Slow Down and Add More Space Than You Think You Need
Your following distance in winter should be measured not in feet, but in football fields.
Recommended spacing:
City/County Roads: 6–8 seconds behind the vehicle ahead
Highway/Interstate: 8–10 seconds
Behind a plow: As much space as you can manage—those operators are doing MVP work
Ice, drifting snow, and slush layers mean stopping distance increases dramatically. Give yourself room to react to the unexpected—like a deer, a spinning pickup, or the world’s most inconvenient patch of black ice.
Lights On, Snow Off
Daytime running lights don’t illuminate your back end. Turn your real headlights on.
Before driving:
Clear all windows
Brush snow off the hood, roof, and lights
Knock ice chunks off your wheel wells (unless you enjoy a rhythmic “thunk… thunk… thunk” for 45 miles)
Pack a Winter Survival Kit
Whether you’re headed into the oilfield, across Highway 200, or simply taking the kids to basketball practice, winter doesn’t care about your schedule.
Must-haves:
Heavy blankets
Extra winter clothing
High-visibility vest
Snacks & water (24–48 hours worth)
Phone charger + backup battery
Flashlight & spare batteries
Gloves, hat, socks
First aid kit
Ice scraper
Traction aids (sand, kitty litter, or traction boards)
A good attitude (arguably the hardest to pack)
Know Before You Go: Journey Management
Especially for rural travel or lone workers:
Tell someone where you’re going and when you expect to arrive
Check in before leaving, at arrival, and if plans change
Don’t rely on GPS alone—cell service can ghost you
If something goes wrong, having a check-in plan dramatically reduces response time.
Beware of the Big Three: Drifts, Black Ice, and Wind
Out here, Mother Nature keeps extras in stock.
1. Drifting Snow:
Looks solid. Isn’t. Can eat vehicles whole.
2. Black Ice:
First clue you’re on it? Usually the second you realize you’re no longer driving—you’re gliding.
3. Wind:
If the forecast says 25 mph, expect 40. If it says 40, buckle up.
Don’t Pass the Plows — They’re Doing the Lord’s Work
Snowplows throw snow far and wide. Passing one is basically asking for a surprise whiteout.
Stay back, stay visible, and let them clear your path like the winter superheroes they are.
If You Get Stuck
It happens to the best of us.
Stay with your vehicle
Keep your exhaust pipe clear of snow
Run the engine 10–15 minutes each hour
Crack a window to prevent CO buildup
Turn on hazard lights
Call for help early—not after you’ve burned through your phone battery watching TikToks
Tires Matter
Bald tires in winter are… bold. But dangerous.
Check:
Tread depth
Tire pressure (cold temps drop PSI fast)
Condition & sidewalls
If your tires look tired, replace them before the roads remind you why you should have.
This Winter, Make “Prepared” Your Superpower
Winter driving in eastern Montana and western North Dakota isn’t for the faint of heart—but it is manageable when you’re prepared, patient, and paying attention.
Stay updated, slow down, pack smart, and when in doubt… reschedule. Nobody becomes a hero by white-knuckling it across 200 miles of ice and regret.
Stay safe, stay warm, and may your coffee always be hot and your windshield always defrosted.
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