Winter weather across the Carolinas brings unique challenges for drivers, workers, and property owners. While North Carolina often experiences snow and ice, South Carolina typically faces freezing rain, black ice, and heavy holiday traffic. These conditions transform familiar roads into dangerous hazards and require drivers to adjust their habits to stay safe.
This guide will help you understand the risks and share useful tips to stay safe on the roads this season in both North and South Carolina.
Winter Weather Dangers on Carolina Roads
Winter weather creates deadly driving conditions across the nation. According to the Federal Highway Administration, each year there are an estimated 219,942 crashes during freezing precipitation (including snow, sleet, hail, or freezing rain/drizzle), resulting in 34,206 injuries and 407 deaths. Additionally, 18% of all weather-related crashes occur during freezing precipitation.
In one recent North Carolina winter storm, the Highway Patrol responded to 700 collisions and 300 additional service calls in a single day (e.g., during a notable event like the 2018 storm). These risks reflect broader national trends outlined in our guide on winter driving accident statistics.
North Carolina receives about 5 inches of snow annually (statewide, with January often the snowiest month). South Carolina experiences similar winter patterns, with occasional ice storms that cause widespread power outages and hazardous road conditions. The relative infrequency of severe winter weather means many drivers in the Carolinas lack experience handling such conditions, increasing the risk of accidents.
Common Winter Weather Hazards in the Carolinas
Black Ice
Black ice is one of the most dangerous winter driving hazards because it’s nearly invisible. This thin layer of ice forms when temperatures drop after rain or when melted snow refreezes. It most commonly appears on:
- Bridges and overpasses (these cool faster because cold air surrounds them)
- Shaded areas that don’t receive direct sunlight
- The bottoms of hills where water collects
- Road surfaces early in the morning, before temperatures rise
Heavy Fog
Winter mornings and evenings often bring dense fog, particularly in rural areas and along highways. Fog can reduce visibility to just a few feet, making it difficult to see other vehicles, road signs, and potential hazards.
Unpredictable Snow and Ice
While major snowstorms are rare in the Carolinas, when they do occur, the impact is significant. The January 2018 winter storm in South Carolina dropped 3 to 5 inches of snow across Charleston and surrounding areas, resulting in over 650 reported traffic accidents, three fatal crashes, and at least 20 injuries requiring hospitalization.
Reduced Visibility
Heavy snow, sleet, fog, and freezing rain dramatically reduce visibility. When drivers cannot see lane markings, other vehicles, or road hazards, fatal crashes become far more likely. Snow squalls, sudden bursts of heavy snow with gusty winds, can reduce visibility to zero within minutes, creating whiteout conditions on highways.
Inexperienced Drivers
The Carolinas’ mild climate means many drivers have little experience operating vehicles in snow or ice. Transplants from northern states may understand winter driving but remain vulnerable when sharing roads with inexperienced drivers who panic, brake improperly, or drive too fast for conditions.
Increased Holiday Traffic
Winter coincides with major holidays, bringing increased traffic volumes as families travel to visit loved ones. Congested roads combined with winter weather conditions significantly elevate accident risks, particularly in busy metropolitan areas like Charlotte, Raleigh, Charleston, Columbia, and Greenville.
Preparing Your Vehicle for Winter Weather
Before winter arrives, ensure your vehicle can handle hazardous conditions:
- Check Tires: Inspect tread depth and maintain proper tire pressure. Cold weather reduces tire pressure, affecting traction and handling. Consider all-season or winter tires if your area frequently experiences ice or snow.
- Test Your Battery: Cold temperatures strain batteries and reduce their effectiveness. Have your battery tested before winter and replace it if necessary to avoid being stranded.
- Inspect Lights and Wipers: Ensure all lights work properly so other drivers can see you in poor visibility. Replace worn wiper blades and fill the windshield washer reservoir with winter-formula fluid that won’t freeze.
- Check Brakes: Properly functioning brakes are essential for stopping safely on slippery roads. Have your brake system inspected and repair any issues immediately.
- Maintain Antifreeze Levels: Ensure your engine has adequate antifreeze to prevent freezing and overheating.
Essential Winter Driving Techniques
Adjusting your driving habits for winter conditions is critical to staying safe and preventing accidents. Cold weather, ice, and snow create hazards that require extra caution and control behind the wheel.
- Reduce speed
- Increase distance
- Brake gradually
- Handle skids calmly
- Avoid cruise control
By following these simple but effective techniques, you can minimize risks, maintain better control of your vehicle, and protect yourself and others on the road during harsh winter conditions.
How Should You Handle Specific Winter Conditions?
Winter weather creates unique challenges for drivers, and knowing how to respond in each situation can help you stay safe. Here are some important techniques to keep in mind:
- Driving on Ice: Avoid it if possible. If you must drive, keep a steady speed and make all movements gradually. Bridges and elevated roads freeze faster than ground-level roadways.
- Driving in Snow: Slow down and maintain steady, straight movement. Avoid sudden stops or sharp turns that cause sliding. If climbing hills, build momentum before reaching the incline rather than accelerating on the slope.
- Driving in Fog: Use low-beam headlights, not high beams, which reflect off fog and reduce visibility. Slow down significantly and use fog lights if your vehicle has them. Follow road edge lines to maintain proper lane position.
- Driving in Heavy Rain: Reduce speed to prevent hydroplaning. If your vehicle starts hydroplaning, ease off the accelerator and steer straight until your tires regain traction. Avoid puddles, which can hide deep water or cause loss of control.
Pack a Winter Emergency Kit
Keep essential supplies in your vehicle during the winter months:
- Fully charged cell phone with a car charger
- Blankets and warm clothing
- Non-perishable snacks and bottled water
- Flashlight with extra batteries
- First aid kit with any necessary medications
- Ice scraper and snow brush
- Small shovel
- Jumper cables
- A bag of sand or kitty litter for traction
- Emergency flares or reflective triangles
- Basic tools and a tire repair kit
What to Do After a Winter Weather Accident
In a winter crash, prioritize safety first. Move vehicles if possible, turn on hazard lights, and use flares/triangles. Check for injuries and call 911 if medical help is needed. Contact the police to file an official report, crucial for insurance and legal matters. Document the scene by taking photos of vehicles, road conditions, signs, skid marks, and injuries. Exchange contact and insurance details with other drivers.
Notify your insurer promptly and provide all documentation, including the police report. Crucially, consult a personal injury attorney before giving recorded statements or accepting settlement offers.
Understanding Legal Rights After Weather-Related Accidents
Many people mistakenly believe winter weather absolves drivers of responsibility for accidents. This is false. While weather conditions can be challenging, drivers remain legally obligated to adjust their driving accordingly. If a driver travels too fast for conditions, follows too closely, or fails to maintain control of their vehicle, they may be held liable for resulting accidents and injuries.
North Carolina and South Carolina personal injury law requires drivers to exercise reasonable care under the circumstances. When another driver’s failure to adjust for winter conditions causes your accident, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Future medical care
What If You’re in a Winter Weather Accident?
Winter weather accidents cause serious injuries that change lives. If you or a loved one was injured in a car accident or truck accident during winter weather in North or South Carolina, Stewart Law Offices is here to help.
Don’t let an insurance company tell you that winter weather means you have no case. Contact Stewart Law Offices today for a free consultation with our car accident attorney. We serve clients throughout North and South Carolina with offices conveniently located to serve you.
Call 866-783-9278 now or contact us online to discuss your winter weather accident case. We offer Free and Confidential Consultations.
