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What to know when driving in the winter

As the annual atmosphere of winter sets in, so does the importance of driving safely. It is important to be aware of the dangers of winter driving; Keeping composure when things go wrong can be the difference between a safe call and a horrific circumstance. All the fears drivers have on the road are shared, remembering this factor is important because it gives a driver a deeper understanding of what they must do to be safe. With insight from Driver’s Ed instructor Mr. Mack, this article informs drivers of all the measures they should take to protect themselves and other drivers on the road in winter.

— Emmanuel Dolo, Reporter

As the annual atmosphere of winter sets in, so does the importance of driving safely. It is important to be aware of the dangers of winter driving; Keeping composure when things go wrong can be the difference between a safe call and a horrific circumstance. With insight from Driver’s Ed instructor Mr. Mack, this article informs drivers of all the measures they should take to protect themselves and other drivers on the road in winter.

Slow Down

Although this point seems obvious, many young drivers are ignorant to the benefits of driving slowly in the winter time. Out of the small group of individuals that answered a poll about the realities of winter driving, 82% ruled that slowing down is the main element that may help prevent sliding on the road, or worse, accidents.

Mr. Mack shares his own experiences as a teen in terms of slow driving, he states, “As a teen driver I believed I was invincible on the road, as many other teens do today.” The biggest mistake drivers make in the wintertime is driving too fast, or faster than the conditions allowed,” Mack said. “When one’s speed does not correlate with the road conditions, the vehicle loses control. A responsible driver knows when and how to execute their movements with the appropriate speed and distance from those around them.”

Plan/Think Ahead

drivers can protect an individual from any circumstances that put them and their vehicle in danger. Whether it be dealing with an inconsiderate driver on the road, or an individual losing composure when their car slides, planning and thinking ahead is a defensive way to protect yourself and those around you.

Mr. Mack gives insight on what to do in situations involving inconsiderate drivers in the winter.

“Many drivers are inconsiderate of your right on the road, I cannot control their vehicle so I try to be cautious and watch other drivers very carefully, Mack said.

A new driver enters their car the night before it snowed heavily in their neighborhood. With the new atmosphere this driver must adapt to slower speeds, bad traffic, and unexpected situations; such as icy roads and jammed brakes.

Actively watching, listening, and maneuvering on the road is one factor that sets a responsible driver apart from an inconsiderate one. Being a defensive driver is the safest way to protect yourself on the road not only during winter months, but all throughout the year.

As a new driver, an individual may not understand what it means to be cautious, therefore a lack of understanding is yet another element that defines the overall demeanor of a driver on the road. Making responsible choices may not be a challenge for many drivers, but one person’s bad decision can affect everyone around them. It is important to consider this factor when driving to protect yourself and those around you. Mr. Mack shares his regrets as a teen when on the road; as well as the things he wished he did to keep people around him safe.

Being licensed to drive may seem like a thrill filled privilege to some, but in the winter months, driving requires more active thinking, planning, and execution of maneuvers than any other time of the year. Thinking ahead before you merge, change lanes, as well as planning in situations that are out of your control can help create a safe system for all individuals on the road. When a driver is in a situation that is out of their control during the winter, keeping a safe following distance from other

“I would drive way too fast and I wouldn’t think about the consequences of how my actions would affect those around me, my passengers and their families as well. If I could go back I would drive a lot safer, and think about those around me more,” Mack said.

Mr. Mack’s experience may serve as a reminder to be cautious on the road, whether a driver is an adult or adolescent.

December 2022