Winter Weather Driving Tips For Northern Minnesotans
Last updated on October 20, 2025
The winter snows in Minnesota can be beautiful, but snow and ice can quickly make the roadways treacherous. Navigating icy roads and facing extreme cold temperatures requires some advance planning and careful driving.
At Hazelton Law Group, our attorneys have been representing clients throughout Northern Minnesota and North Dakota, including Bemidji, Grand Rapids, and the Red Lake and White Earth Reservations, since the 1980s. We know firsthand how severe winter weather can lead to devastating accidents and how insurance companies often try to minimize or deny legitimate claims.
Whether your crash occurred on a snow-covered rural road or a major interstate during a blizzard, our experienced legal team is here to help you recover full compensation. If you have been hurt in a winter weather car accident, contact us today online or by calling 218-210-2043 to schedule your free consultation.
What Can You Do To Stay Safer On Winter Roads?
Our lawyers see many motor vehicle accident claims after every winter storm. With that in mind, here are our top tips for avoiding a crash on snowy or ice-covered roads:
- Clear all the snow off your vehicle before starting out, even the roof
- Make sure that you and all your passengers wear seatbelts
- Reduce your speed to account for increased stopping times
- Increase the distance you keep between your vehicle and others
- Make sure your headlights are on, even in daytime hours
- Stay a minimum of five car lengths behind any snowplows
- Avoid using cruise control on icy or snowy roads
Remember not to panic if you start to lose control of your vehicle. Take your foot off the gas, apply steady pressure to your brakes if you have an antilock braking system and turn the steering wheel the way you want the vehicle to go. Following these tips will not only help you avoid a wreck but also protect your interests if another driver hits you.
Do You Need Snow Tires In Northern Minnesota?
Typically, yes. Snow tires are highly recommended for anyone driving through Northern Minnesota’s long, icy winters. Manufacturers design these tires with special tread patterns and rubber compounds that stay flexible in cold temperatures to provide better traction on ice and snow. Snow tires can dramatically reduce stopping distances and help prevent skidding in freezing conditions.
How Can You Drive Safely Alongside Snowplows And Big Rigs?
Large vehicles such as snowplows and semi trucks create unique hazards during snowstorms. Their wide frames, heavy loads and powerful engines can throw up clouds of snow that reduce visibility. To stay safe:
- Keep a safe distance of at least 10 car lengths behind snowplows
- Avoid driving in their blind spots or trying to pass, especially when visibility is low
- Expect sudden turns or stops as snowplows clear roads and intersections
- Stay alert for whiteout conditions caused by blowing snow
If a truck or plow is coming from the opposite direction, slow down and move over to reduce the impact of drifting snow.
By respecting the space of larger vehicles and staying cautious during low visibility moments, you can avoid serious collisions and keep everyone safe on the road.
What Is Beltrami County’s Snow And Ice Removal Procedure?
Beltrami County prioritizes snow and ice removal to keep roads open and safe during Minnesota’s harsh winters. According to the county’s official plowing policy, plow operators clear major highways and high-traffic routes first, and then move on to secondary and rural roads. Snowplows usually deploy once snowfall reaches a certain depth or when drifting and icy conditions begin to affect travel. Crews work extended hours during major storms, but officials urge motorists to stay patient and give plows room to operate. Staying informed about road conditions and allowing extra travel time can help prevent accidents during and after snow events.
In A Wreck On The Ice Or In The Snow? Call Us For A Free Consultation.
If you ended up in a wreck on the winter roads despite all your efforts to avoid one, our attorneys are here for you. Never assume that you do not have a viable claim for your injuries and other losses just because the roads were icy.
Call 218-210-2043 to talk to a lawyer at Hazelton Law Group right away and let us tell you how we can help you. You can also reach out online. We do not let insurance companies get away with blaming the victim.