Drivers Need Practice For Slippery Winter Roads

Winter Driving Safety

Driving In Snow and Ice Requires
Skill and Common Sense

Tips For Driving In Icy Conditions

AAA Offers Winter Driving Tips

Driving on roads covered with ice or snow is a challenge for any driver. Even with years of experience, hitting a patch of ice and going into a skid is a nightmare. If these wintery conditions can cause problems for seasoned drivers, imagine how dangerous it is for new drivers who don't have years of road training to rely on in an emergency.

Parents Can Help New Drivers

One of the more nerve-wrecking experiences of parenthood occurs when your teenager first earns his or her license to drive. While many parts of Canada and other countries have ensured that new drivers be accompanied with a more experienced driver in the vehicle, it's important that parents take some time to share safety tips with their teenagers... and just as important that new drivers listen!

Winter Driving Takes Special Skills

Learning to drive is challenging enough. When you throw snow, ice and slush into the driving mix, it can catch newer, less experienced drivers off guard. Therefore, passing along winter driving wisdom to your teens is especially crucial.

"Since you probably own the car your teenager is driving, you should ensure that it is prepared for winter weather," says Tony Mougios, Michelin Brand Manager in Canada. "Part of that preparation involves installing four winter tires on the vehicle. Winter tires will enhance the safety and performance of your vehicle and allow whoever is driving to maintain greater control in winter conditions."

Simple Tips For Safe Winter Driving

For those parents whose teens are about to take to the road for the first time this winter, Michelin offers these tips for teaching young drivers to prepare for and cope with winter's challenges.

Winter weather puts your vehicle's mechanical systems and performance to the ultimate test, and demands that your vehicle is in excellent condition. Make sure that your tires and all mechanical systems, including your brakes, are in top working order.
Take your new driver to a vacant, snow or ice covered parking lot where you can safely practice slow-speed manoeuvres.
A novice driver's first on-the-road experience with winter-weather driving should not be during a major blizzard. It's better to wait until conditions are less severe.
If possible, have your teenager practice driving on slippery roads in daylight only. Exposure to slippery roads at night should be limited until beginners have gained more experience driving in various types of winter weather.
Maintain a safe driving distance from the vehicle in front of you.
Make sure the speed limit is observed and respected.

Just-in-case essentials

It sounds extreme, but it does happen... if you do get stranded on a cold day in an area where your cell phone can't pick up a signal, transform the trunk of your vehicle into a winter survival kit. Make sure you have essential emergency equipment including a flashlight, a lighter or matches, blankets, jumper cables, sand and a small shovel or ice scraper handy.

Add a few snacks or energy bars and bottled water in case you need to spend extended time in a disabled car. It helps if someone, family or a friend, knows where you were headed so you can be found and rescued.

Source... NewsCanada

also see -> Teaching Your Teen To Drive

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