Stay Safe on Ice & Snow: Winter Safety Tips for Pennsylvania Drivers and Pedestrians

Winter in Pennsylvania changes the rules.

Snow and ice transform everyday routines into situations where one small mistake can lead to serious injury. Whether you’re driving to work, navigating a parking lot, or simply walking into a store, winter requires a different level of awareness.

Here’s how to stay safe and what to do if an accident happens.

Driving Safely on Winter Roads

When the roads turn slick, everything about your driving should adjust.

• Slow down and leave extra space. Stopping distances can double or triple on ice.
• Brake and steer gently. Sudden movements can cause skidding.
• Avoid cruise control. Your car needs your direct input on icy surfaces.
• Watch for black ice—especially on bridges, shaded areas, and shiny patches of road.

If you hit black ice, stay calm.

Ease off the gas and keep the wheel straight until your tires regain traction. Overcorrecting can make the situation far worse.

Build a Winter-Ready Emergency Kit

A few minutes of preparation now can make all the difference later. Keep these essentials in your trunk all winter:

• Ice scraper
• Small shovel
• Sand or kitty litter for traction
• Blanket and warm clothing
• Flashlight
• Phone charger

Most people don’t expect to get stranded on a cold night, but preparation is the most effective form of protection.

Parking Lots Are a Hidden Winter Hazard

Not all winter risks happen on the road. Parking lots, sidewalks, and store entrances can become unpredictable, especially after fresh snow or freezing rain.

• Snow piles block visibility
• Pedestrians carrying bags may not see vehicles backing out
• Painted lines become hidden under ice
• Cars slide more easily at low speeds

Take your time. Back out slowly. Expect pedestrians to appear from angles you don’t usually anticipate.

If You Slip and Fall: What to Document

Your health comes first, always. Seek medical attention immediately after a slip and fall accident. Once you’re safe, documentation becomes critical, especially if the fall occurred at a business or on someone else’s property.

Document the following:

• Exact location and time
• Surface condition (ice, packed snow, melted runoff, etc.)
• Your footwear at the time
• Photos or video of the area
• Witness names and contact information
• Any incident report completed at a business

Keep your shoes and clothing exactly as they were; don’t wash or throw anything away. They may demonstrate the conditions you were dealing with when the fall occurred.

Why Documentation Matters Under Pennsylvania Law

Property owners in Pennsylvania are required to take reasonable steps to clear snow and ice.

“Reasonable,” however, depends on timing, temperature, weather conditions, and what actions the property owner took.

Your photos, notes, and witness statements help show what the conditions were and when. This information can be essential in determining responsibility.

When to Call a Lawyer

If you’re unsure who’s responsible, dealing with medical bills, or feeling overwhelmed, it’s okay to ask for help.

A personal injury attorney can:

• Review your documentation
• Explain your rights
• Guide you through your next steps
• Help protect your ability to recover compensation if someone else’s negligence caused your injuries

You don’t have to navigate that process alone.

Stay Safe This Winter

Winter brings challenges, but with preparation, caution, and a clear plan, you can protect yourself and the people you love.

And if an accident does happen, Marcus & Mack is here to help you focus on healing and moving forward.

Marcus & Mack is proud to help keep Pennsylvania’s roads, and its families, safe.

If you or someone you love is injured in a crash, call 1-800-HURTLINE or visit marcusandmack.com for guidance and support.