Driving in the winter brings many unique challenges. Drivers are faced with icy roads, unpredictable snow, reduced visibility, and lots more. It is important to know the road conditions and plan accordingly.
Being in high school, younger kids are driving so it can be dangerous in parking lots and school zones. Making sure to be careful while driving in the winter is essential to ensuring the safety of you and others around.
A crucial part of being a good driver in the winter is following the 5 C’s; Care, Caution, Courtesy, Consideration, and Commonsense.
Preparing your vehicle for the winter is also very important. Making sure your tires are prepped and ready for the snow can save you in the long run.
Changing them out for winter tires can be very helpful. They provide more traction, stopping power, providing smoother driving experience. It is also good to check your battery and make sure it is ready for the dropping temperatures.
Having good windshield wipers and fluid prevent severe damage to your vision which can cause accidents, is also important to ensuring your safety.
Lastly, be prepared for being stuck or stopped for long periods of time when driving in the winter. To do this, make sure to have warm clothes, heat, and blankets ready.
Another way to be more successful when driving in the winter is knowing the road conditions and checking the weather forecast, beforehand. Doing this will give you more time to get to your destination along with not forcing yourself on the roads in a rush can keep you safe. Take it as a hint if the roads are closed or if people are getting into accidents; stay home!
Junior, Macey Davis says, “I always make sure to check the weather before I leave the house. If its clearly very bad out, I will stay home”.
Being able to adjust your driving to the conditions is valuable. Making sure to take it slow, use appropriate headlights, keep windows clear, and knowing what the roads are like is key.
Maya Rearick, senior, says, “Keeping space between you and the person in front of you, your speed, and how you go around corners”. Doing these things will be very helpful and keep you safe while driving in the winter.
Connor Williams, senior, says, “I make sure to take it slow, make sure not to hit any sharp turns over 5 miles per hour, and go with the drift; don’t try to fight it”.
Winter driving can be very dangerous. Making sure to prepare your car for the conditions, knowing what the roads are like, taking it slow and being smart are essential to keeping yourself and others safe on the road. Being in South Dakota, the weather is unpredictable so knowing how to drive when there is inclined weather should be required.
Making sure to use the 5 C’s: Care, Caution, Courtesy, Consideration, and Commonsense. Overall, be careful on the road to ensure everyone’s safety.
