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Snow and Ice Driving

Winter roads reward patience. Farm vehicles are heavy, slow to stop and often carry loads, so planning and a willingness to wait are the best protection.

What makes winter driving harder for farm vehicles?

Snow and ice reduce grip, and a heavy machine takes longer to stop and can slide on a grade or curve. Wind can drift snow across rural roads and hide edges, and black ice can form on bridges and shaded stretches.

Farm vehicles also struggle with visibility. Light snow, blowing snow and low sun can hide a slow vehicle from other drivers.

Cold also affects batteries, fuel, hydraulics and tires, so a machine can behave differently in the morning than it did the afternoon before.

What should you check before you go?

Look at the forecast and road conditions before moving equipment or livestock. Check state and county road reports where available. If officials advise against travel, believe them.

Inspect your vehicle: tires, brakes, lights, wipers, heater, defroster and fluids. Tire type and pressure and chains or traction aids are matters for the manufacturer and your dealer.

Allow extra time. Clearing snow and warming equipment takes longer than most people expect, and rushing leads to missed checks.

• Clear all windows, lights and mirrors of snow and ice
• Check brakes, tires and lights
• Charge phones and carry a winter kit
• Tell someone your route and your arrival time

How should you drive on snow and ice?

Slow down well beyond what feels necessary and leave far more room than usual. Make steering, braking and acceleration gentle and smooth. Sudden moves cause skids, especially with a load or trailer.

Plan ahead for hills and curves. Slow before you reach them rather than on them, and avoid stopping on a slope if you can. Follow the manufacturer's guidance about gears and brakes for your machine.

Keep your distance from snowplows and do not pass them, since they throw snow and may have limited visibility behind them.

What about trailers and loads?

Trailers can sway or push the towing vehicle on slick roads, and loads can shift. Check that the load is secured and the hitch is sound. If the trailer starts to move unexpectedly, ease off smoothly and avoid harsh braking. Your dealer or driver training can teach more.

If conditions are too bad for the load, delay the move. Livestock hauling needs extra planning, and animal welfare rules vary, so check with your state agriculture department.

When hauling in winter, think about unloading and loading areas too, since ice around barns and ramps can be as dangerous as the road.

• Check hitch, load and tie-downs before leaving
• Ease off smoothly if a trailer starts to sway

What should be in a winter vehicle kit?

Keep warm clothing, gloves, boots, a blanket, water, snacks, a flashlight, a charged phone and a way to recharge it in the vehicle. Add any medicines you need. A small shovel and traction aid may help in some places.

Ask your extension office or the National Weather Service what winter kits they recommend. Check and restock the kit each fall.

• Warm clothing, gloves and boots
• Water, snacks and any needed medicines
• Flashlight, blanket and charged phone
• Small shovel or traction aid where suitable

What if you get stuck or stranded?

Stay with the vehicle where possible, since it is easier for rescuers to find and gives shelter. Call for help and tell them where you are. Call 911 if anyone is in danger. Do not walk away in a storm unless you are certain of safety.

Do not run the engine in a closed space or with the exhaust blocked. Ask the Red Cross or your local fire department about winter vehicle safety, including carbon monoxide risks.

Let someone know you are stranded and share your position, and keep your phone warm to preserve the battery.

How do you reduce winter risk on the farm?

Plan fuel, feed and supply runs ahead of storms, and avoid unnecessary trips. Share the plan with family and workers, and set a time to check in. Keep roads and lanes clear where you can, and mark hazards.

Remember that fatigue and cold both slow thinking. Take breaks, stay warm and dry, and be honest about when to stop.

Keep a regular check-in plan for solo workers during storms, with a clear step if someone does not respond.

• Plan supply runs before storms arrive
• Keep lanes clear and mark hazards

Last reviewed: November 12, 2026. Written by the Farm Safety Editorial Team. See our editorial policy.