Winter can be a scary time for new drivers. Ice, snow, and freezing temperatures change the way we drive. As winter approaches, let’s look at some tips for those driving in wintery conditions for the first time.
1. Do not drive when it’s not safe to do so.
No one wants to be late for school or miss a shift at work, but sometimes conditions make it necessary. Snow storms and black ice are dangerous conditions for all drivers, but novice (i.e., new) drivers do not yet have the experience to navigate these conditions on their own. If you’re scared to get behind the wheel because of the weather, you’re more likely to make a mistake that can be deadly.
Check the weather conditions before you leave the house. Look ahead in the forecast for the time you’ll be heading home. If your shift ends at 8:00 pm and there’s freezing rain slated for 8:05 pm, you may want to consider avoiding driving at that time by asking to leave early or arranging to be picked up by a more experienced driver. Nothing is worth more than your life.
2. Adjust your speed to meet current conditions.
Speed limit signs tell you the safe speed limit in good conditions. You’re more than likely going to need to slow down in winter weather. You must be extremely cautious as you drive in winter conditions until you are able to determine how much traction you can expect from your tires.
Take a look at the following charts to see how speed affects stopping distance on snow-covered pavement. At 30 miles per hour, it takes just 43 feet to stop on dry pavement, but on snow-covered pavement, it takes 100 feet to stop at the same speed. This dramatic increase in stopping distance is just one reason why it’s important to slow down on snow-covered roads.
3. Increase your following distance.
You’ll want to keep at least 2 times the space between your vehicle and the one in front of you than you normally would in good weather conditions.
4. Keep your windows and headlights clear.
Remove the snow and ice from your window, windshield, and headlights before you drive. You cannot drive safely if you cannot see clearly! It can be tempting to only clear off your windshield, especially if you’re only traveling a short distance, but in order to be safe, your windows and headlights will also need to be clear of snow. Always make sure your car’s windshield wipers and defroster are working properly before driving even the shortest of distances.
5. Pack your vehicle for emergencies.
Sometimes, a snow-covered road can turn a trip that should take 20 minutes into several hours. Other times, road conditions may become so bad that driving is impossible, and you may have to pull over. You need to be prepared to stay warm, fed, and hydrated in these situations.
Make sure your car is packed with the following items before setting out on a snow-covered or icy road:
- Blankets and warm clothing
- High-calorie, non-perishable food
- Bottled water
- First aid kit
- Phone charger and portable backup battery
- Reflectors and road flares
- Windshield scraper
- Road salt, sand, gravel, cat litter, or strips of carpet to help with traction (your floor mats can be used in a pinch)
- Flashlight
- Booster cables
- Shovel
6. Watch out for ice.
Any time conditions are near freezing, watch out for ice. Ice can be hard to see unless light is shining on it, so travel at slower speeds so you have enough time to react if your car starts to slide. Be especially cautious when temperatures are around 32 degrees Fahrenheit, since this creates a dangerous combination of snow and water that makes the roadway the most slippery.
Slow down while crossing bridges in very cold, wet weather. Water on bridges freezes faster and thaws slower than water on the regular roadway. Also beware of shaded areas and black ice, which is a thin, clear film of ice that is difficult to see.
Avoid causing your brakes to lock on glazed ice, as this will cause you to slide as you skid. This can result in a total loss of steering and control.
We hope these tips help you this winter! If you’d like to learn more, we offer online defensive driving courses, teen driver education courses, and adult driver education courses for first time drivers. Click here to visit our website to see the online courses we offer in your state!