Winter Weather
Whiteout Driving Safety: Snow Squalls, Blowing Snow, Visibility, and Pileups
How whiteouts happen, why snow squalls are dangerous, and what drivers should do when visibility suddenly drops.
Quick answer: A whiteout can reduce visibility so quickly that drivers lose lane, shoulder, and distance cues within seconds.
Snow squalls
Snow squalls are brief but intense bursts of snow and wind that can cause sudden whiteouts and slick roads.
They are dangerous because conditions change faster than traffic can react.
Blowing snow
Strong wind can lift loose snow even after active snowfall ends.
Open fields, bridges, and high roads are common trouble spots.
Driving response
Slow gradually, turn on lights, increase following distance, and avoid sudden lane changes.
If stopping is necessary, get as far off the road as safely possible.