Top 5 Montana Winter Weather Driving Tips For Newbies

If you're new to Montana, first off, welcome.  Second, if you're not used to driving in winter conditions, there are a few things you need to know about living in Big Sky Country.

Winters can be harsh here in Montana, and for those who aren't experienced in driving in winter weather, it can be an added layer of stress that might be too much for some folks.  Yes, it snows here...a lot. Yes, the roads get icy. And yes, you can easily find yourself in a situation where you're waiting on a tow truck if you aren't prepared.

Some might say "Oh, I've driven in snow before" and while that can certainly be helpful, winter is different here than in many other states.

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Here are 5 things you need to know if this is your first winter driving in Montana.

Tires Matter

Good tires are important all year long, but especially in winter.  Snow tires or studded snow tires add an extra layer of traction while traveling across the state during the winter months, and can go a long way in helping you navigate difficult Montana roads. By the way, for those of you interested in studded tires, Montana Law allows you to keep them on your vehicle until the end of May.

Slow Down

One of the biggest mistakes that people make while driving during the winter months in Montana is going too fast. Just because a road or highway looks to be somewhat clear, there are still patches of snow, ice, and even worse, black ice on our roads, and that can turn bad quickly.  Make sure that you are taking the proper precautions and give yourself some extra time.

Have A Winter Emergency Kit In Your Vehicle

Many winter days will have sub-zero temperatures and if you're going to be stranded on the side of the road for an hour or two (sometimes more) you want to make sure that you have the items in your vehicle that will help you make it through the wait.  If you're wondering what should be in your winter emergency kit, you can find a great list by clicking here

Check Conditions Before You Travel

If you're heading out, especially if you are traveling any sort of distance, make sure that you check the conditions before you leave. Weather conditions can change quickly here in Montana and even more so in our many mountain passes. Being prepared is key and there are a few different tools that can help you with that, including the virtual road map from the Montana Department of Transportation, as well as our radio station app.

Consider An All-Wheel or Four-Wheel Drive Vehicle

While not a state requirement, most folks that live in Montana have either an all-wheel drive or 4-wheel drive vehicle. While owning such a vehicle doesn't guarantee safe travels during the winter months, it can certainly help, especially in situations where all-wheel or 4-wheel drive is needed.

Finally, be safe out there and use common sense. Make sure that you leave plenty of room between you and the vehicle in front of you in case you need to make a quick stop and of course, buckle up.