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Avoiding Winter Driving Accidents

Tips for Driving Safe This Winter

Although much of the country has had a mild winter so far, meteorologists are calling for colder, wetter, wintery weather to be starting very soon. Winter driving is very different from driving any other time of the year, so it is important to be prepared for the impending conditions and employ some tactics to help keep you, your passengers, and other drivers safe on the road. Here are some simple winter driving tips to help keep you out of danger this winter and prevent you from having any seasonal accidents.

Stay Informed of Weather Conditions

Whether you are getting ready to leave for work in the morning or if you are planning a trip, it is important to know what the weather conditions are going to be like while on the road. Make sure to tune into the local new or weather station and take note of what the conditions will be like both on your way to your destination and on your way home. This will help to better prepare you for the commute as well as alert you to any issues that may stop you from traveling altogether.

Reduce Speed in Poor Conditions

Winter is notorious for bringing wet, slushy, and slippery roads. While driving in these conditions can be inevitable, it is important to know how to drive in them in order to stay safe and avoid accidents. One of the easiest way to navigate poor road conditions is to simply slow down so you can better react to changes in the road or possible hazards before they become a problem. Also, keep a weather eye on the drivers around you – some people are very uncomfortable in poor conditions and may be driving slower than usual while others have no fear and will continue to drive as if it’s a summer day.

Check the Condition of Your Tires

Traction is super important in wet and wintery conditions, so it is vitally important to make sure the tires on your vehicle have enough tread to provide adequate traction while driving. There are a number of ways to determine whether or not tires are in good enough condition for winter driving, so make sure to investigate tire condition before the bad weather hits. Additionally, for those who are in very snowy climates, you may want to consider investing in snow tires to help you get safely through the season.

Extra driving practice is always a good idea for teen drivers, but it may be difficult for parents to be able to practice in bad weather with their kids. Whether your teen needs behind the wheel training or more driving practice, Training Wheels, a Margate driving school, can help. For more information on our lessons, please click here.

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