Winter is coming to the Lone Star State, and Texas officials want residents to be ready before the first freeze hits. The Texas Department of Public Safety issued a comprehensive set of winter weather safety reminders on January 20, 2026, urging Texans to prepare now for potentially hazardous conditions.
“Texans know all too well that our weather can shift in a matter of minutes, from sunshine to sleet or worse,” said Texas Highway Patrol Chief Bryan Rippee. “Preparation makes all the difference. A few simple steps today can keep you and your family safe when conditions change unexpectedly.”
Vehicle Preparedness Essential
The safety campaign, announced by DPS and shared by the Governor’s Office, emphasizes the importance of winterizing vehicles before cold weather arrives. Officials recommend checking your battery, fluid levels, and windshield wipers, ensuring the latter are equipped with freeze-resistant fluid.
Tire maintenance becomes particularly critical during winter months. Drivers should inspect tire pressure and tread depth, as both significantly affect traction on slippery roads. Something as simple as lubricating door and trunk locks can prevent being locked out in freezing temperatures — a small step easily forgotten until it’s too late.
Sound like overkill for Texas? Perhaps. But recent years have demonstrated that even southern states aren’t immune to severe winter conditions that can strand unprepared motorists.
Driving When Winter Strikes
Once winter weather arrives, driving behavior needs to change dramatically. The Texas Department of Transportation advises maintaining at least three times the normal following distance when roads are covered with snow or ice. Even more cautiously, Austin officials recommend increasing normal following distance from 3 seconds to a full 8 to 10 seconds in icy or snowy conditions.
TxDOT also warns drivers to stay at least 200 feet behind snow plows, which often create limited visibility conditions while clearing roadways.
What if you find yourself losing control on an icy patch? Don’t panic and slam on the brakes, suggests KNUE-FM, reporting on DPS recommendations. Instead, ease off the accelerator and steer gently in the direction you want to go until traction returns.
This isn’t the first time Texas officials have issued such warnings. DPS has previously released safety tips ahead of forecasted wintry weather, particularly regarding hazards from freezing rain and ice accumulation.
Beyond the Vehicle
While driving safety dominates the conversation, officials also highlighted pedestrian risks. Icy walkways, steps, and parking lots pose significant hazards, particularly to older Texans or those with mobility challenges.
“We tend to focus on road conditions, and rightfully so,” noted Chief Rippee, “but many winter-related injuries happen right outside people’s homes or in parking lots. A little sand or salt on those surfaces goes a long way.”
As Texas approaches another unpredictable winter season, the message from officials is clear: prepare now, adjust when conditions change, and remember that even in the Lone Star State, winter demands respect. After all, as any veteran Texan will tell you, it’s not a question of if winter weather will strike — it’s when.
