Seasonal driving hazards in Kentucky (ice, fog, etc.)

Oct. 13, 2025, 6:02 p.m.
Here’s a full guide to seasonal driving hazards in Kentucky — especially important for truckers who face varying terrain, weather, and road conditions throughout the year.
Seasonal driving hazards in Kentucky (ice, fog, etc.)

Seasonal Driving Hazards in Kentucky

1. Winter (Ice, Snow, and Freezing Rain)

Kentucky winters can be unpredictable — some years mild, others hit with heavy ice and snow, especially in the Appalachian and northern regions.
Main hazards:

  • Black ice: Especially on bridges, overpasses, and shaded rural roads.

  • Freezing rain: Common in central and western Kentucky, making even flat roads treacherous.

  • Reduced traction: Hills in eastern KY can become impassable for heavy trucks during freezes.

Safety tips:

  • Check Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) road condition reports before routes.

  • Carry chains (if permitted) and an ice scraper.

  • Keep tire pressure and tread in check — temperature drops reduce pressure.

  • Slow down on curves and avoid sudden braking.

2. Spring (Heavy Rain, Flooding, and Wind)

Kentucky’s spring brings strong storms and flooding, especially near rivers like the Ohio and Kentucky Rivers.
Main hazards:

  • Flash floods: Low-lying rural roads often flood quickly.

  • Strong winds and tornadoes: Can make handling a trailer difficult.

  • Potholes: Form from winter freeze-thaw cycles and can damage tires or suspensions.

Safety tips:

  • Don’t drive through standing water — it can hide deep holes or cause hydroplaning.

  • Keep a weather alert app running (like NOAA Weather Radio or KYTC alerts).

  • Park safely during high-wind warnings, especially if empty or lightly loaded.

3. Summer (Heat and Tire Blowouts)

Kentucky summers are hot and humid, particularly in the western and southern regions.
Main hazards:

  • Tire blowouts: Hot pavement increases pressure and weak spots in tires.

  • Engine overheating: Heavy loads on steep grades can overheat engines.

  • Construction zones: Summer is peak time for roadwork on I-64, I-65, and I-75.

Safety tips:

  • Inspect tires daily for bulges, cracks, and pressure changes.

  • Check coolant and oil before long hauls.

  • Plan for delays due to construction or holiday traffic.

4. Fall (Fog, Leaves, and Early Frost)

Fall brings cooler mornings, dense fog, and wet leaves, especially in central and eastern Kentucky.
Main hazards:

  • Fog: Common in river valleys and near farmland at dawn.

  • Wet leaves: Can act like ice on curves.

  • Early frost: Makes bridges slick even when roads appear dry.

Safety tips:

  • Use low beams in fog — not high beams, which reflect off the mist.

  • Keep extra following distance.

  • Watch for deer crossings — fall is peak mating season and activity increases.

5. Year-Round Considerations

  • Appalachian routes: Narrow, steep, and curvy — drive cautiously year-round.

  • Urban areas: Louisville and Lexington see congestion, especially in rain or snow.

  • Rural roads: Watch for farm vehicles and wildlife.

Kentucky Resources for Truckers

  • KYTC 511 Service: 511.ky.gov – real-time traffic, weather, and road condition updates.

  • National Weather Service (NWS) Kentucky: weather.gov/lmk – weather alerts and forecasts.

  • Kentucky Motor Carriers Portal: drive.ky.gov – regulations and seasonal travel advisories.