Prepare Your Car for Safe Winter Driving

As winter approaches, the first snowfall may come after a light rain before temperatures start to drop. The icy conditions may be hidden under a fresh coat of snow. This winter driving can cause accidents when people forget how to use their safe driving techniques. After a few months of summer sun, drivers, especially teen drivers, become overconfident and it is easy for them quickly lose control and get into trouble.

These icy conditions are known as black ice, since they appear to be wet pavement when they are actually a sheet of ice under the snow. This makes the roads slick and many accidents involving teen driving or commercial driving occur when drivers overestimate the conditions of the roadways. This dangerous driving can be avoided when drivers understand safe driving techniques.

The best defensive driving comes when the driver understands the hazards of treacherous driving conditions. The experienced drivers leave room for themselves on the highway and give themselves extra time to arrive at their destination. Dangerous conditions can occur at any time, so defensive driving is second nature to experienced drivers.

Winter drivers leave home early and drive steadily to avoid accidents. Winter drivers also know the importance of keeping their vehicle maintained and filled with gas. They do not go out without emergency blankets or cell phones, and they put extra boots, coats and gloves in their car.

Additionally, experienced winter residents know that they must prepare their car for the winter months. They must ensure that it has the proper amount of anti-freeze and that the battery is fully charged and operational. They take care to put snow tires or studded tires on their car. They have chains in the trunk if they live in higher elevations where chains are necessary. They also have an extra set of windshield wipers.

Most of all, the drivers who have taken courses in advanced driving and how to prepare for winter driving will do the best on the snowy and icy roadways.

Our training programs and education at Ultimate Defensive Driving are designed to teach both individuals and company personnel the skills needed to drive under any circumstance. When the skills of drivers are increased, they are less likely to have an accident.