When it comes to traction, winter snow and ice present a notable change from what you face on the road the rest of the year. Once your vehicle begins to lose traction, several things can happen, including loss of stopping ability and skidding. Here are some valuable pointers to help you maintain traction and keep your vehicle safely under control:

Check the forecast before departing and frequently along the way. Knowing what to expect helps you prepare for hazardous conditions, plan safer routes, and allows you to manage your driving hours more effectively. If severe weather is expected, think about postponing your trip, if possible, to avoid unnecessary risks.
Get a grip. Make sure you have ample tread to ensure good traction and stopping capability. Check tire pressures frequently during winter weather and add air, as needed, to keep them at recommended levels of inflation. Properly inflated tires help maintain traction on slippery surfaces. Also, know the chain requirements in the states where you will be driving, and be prepared with the proper equipment should the need arise.
Keep your vehicle in the best possible driving condition. Perform a pre-trip inspection as required by federal regulations. In addition to the tires, the lights, brakes, windshield wipers, defroster and radiator are especially important for overall safety during winter driving.
Slow down, even if the roads have been salted or sanded. Many accidents occur because drivers are going too fast for conditions. Slower speeds will help you maintain traction on ice and snow and give you more time to react to hazards. Be extremely cautious until you can determine how much traction to expect from your tires.
Stay alert for changes in a road's surface that may affect traction. Remember that ice and snow are most dangerous when the temperature is at or near the freezing mark. Watch for patches of black ice, snow drifts, or slush that can quickly compromise traction.
Pay attention to your surroundings. Every city block and highway mile may be different, depending on sun or shade and the road’s surface. To anticipate situations, look well ahead—12-15 seconds ahead minimally and up to 20-30 seconds, if possible. Focus on bridges, overpasses, intersections, and wherever water may run across the roadway. These areas are often the first to lose traction. Watch for vehicles having problems with conditions and assume other drivers may do something unexpected.
Keep a cushion of space around your vehicle. Doing so provides the extra margin of safety you need if you begin to skid or must stop. Many needless crashes occur on icy streets because drivers fail to leave sufficient space. A proper buffer also allows you to make adjustments that help maintain traction.
Avoid excessive actions while steering, braking, or accelerating. Wet roads can double the stopping distance, and it will be more difficult to turn without skidding. Apply the brakes early and gently, and steer smoothly to help keep your tires’ grip and maintain traction, reducing the chances of losing control.
Watch out when traveling on slick, banked curves. The vehicle might slide sideways into opposing traffic or off the road. Slow to a safe speed before entering the curve, and shift to a gear that will let you accelerate slightly in the curve, helping maintain traction and control.
Try to keep your vehicle moving in deep snow and on ice, even if it means just crawling along. Once you stop, your chances of getting going again are reduced. However, be careful not to build up too much momentum as your stopping power is also reduced.
Steer into the skid to regain control of your vehicle. If your vehicle begins to skid, turn your steering wheel in the direction you want the front of the vehicle to go. Avoid slamming on the brakes, as this can worsen the skid. Instead, keep your movements smooth and controlled to restore traction.
Use common sense. If conditions become too dangerous, discontinue driving until it’s safe to proceed, as per federal regulations (49 CFR §392.14). Pull over to a safe and legal location and stay in contact with your company dispatch for assistance.