Winter Driving Safety: Tips to Survive Buffalo Roads
Every winter, when the first big flakes hit Buffalo, it feels like our city transforms overnight. If you grew up hereâor even if youâre newâyou know that driving in Buffalo between November and March is no joke. As someone whoâs spent plenty of winters navigating these streets, I want to share some real advice thatâs helped me and other local drivers stay safe when the snow piles up.
Getting Your Car Ready for Winter
Before winter truly kicks in, I always make a checklist: tires, wipers, battery, and antifreeze all get a second look. Trust me, buying decent winter tires is worth every pennyâespecially once you hit those icy patches by the river or the steep roads near downtown. If youâre like me and always seem to leave early, scraping off all the ice and snow might feel like a chore, but seeing clearly could be the difference between making it home or not.
Buffalo Weather Is No Joke
One thing every local knows is how quickly the weather can change. Sometimes itâs just a gentle flurry; other times itâs a blizzard with zero visibility. When the roads get slick, I slow downâsometimes even under the speed limit. I try to give the car in front of me double the space and avoid sudden stops because Buffaloâs infamous black ice has fooled even the most careful drivers. Itâs those moments by Hertel Avenue or during a late-night drive on Elmwood when taking it slow really counts.
Watch for Hidden Hazards
Weâve all hit those potholes hidden under slushy snow or struggled with frozen intersectionsâespecially if youâre heading out for coffee before sunrise. If your tires start spinning or your brakes donât catch right away, donât panic. Just ease off the gas and steer gently. Sometimes it helps to keep a warm blanket and a phone charger in your car, just in case youâre stuck waiting out a whiteout near Canalside or by the Peace Bridge.
Stay Ahead of the Storm
One of the best things Iâve learned is how important it is to check the weather before leaving the house. If thereâs a lake-effect warning, I plan my route to avoid long stretches of open highway or areas notorious for snow drifts. Even if a drive should only take 15 minutes, I leave early and never pressure myself to rush. In Buffalo, everyone understands if youâre a few minutes late during a big storm.
Weâre In This Together
Driving in Buffalo is a community effort. We all help each other out, whether itâs pushing a stuck car near Chippewa or exchanging tips on keeping windshield fluid from freezing. If youâre learning to drive here, or even if youâre teaching someone else, patience and kindness go a long way. We take pride in who we are and how we handle our wintersâsafe, smart, and always ready for a good snow story.
Final Thoughts from a Buffalo Local
This city has taught me everything I know about winter driving. If you ever feel nervous on the roads, remember youâre not alone; there are thousands of Buffalo drivers right there with you, facing the same snowflakes and slush. Stay warm, stay safe, and always look out for one anotherâbecause in Buffalo, thatâs just how we do it.