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By KATIE ARQUIETTE
YOUTH CORRESPONDENT
ITH THE SEASONS changing and winter approaching, weather patterns begin to alter, bringing along the possibility of snow, sleet, hail and ice.
Although snow may look pretty falling from the sky when you wake up in the morning inside your warm, cozy house, driving in these conditions is a whole different story. And it takes a lot more caution and care from inexperienced student drivers.
While many of these student or newly licensed drivers seem to think they rule the road because they have had their licenses for all of two months, many of them do not know the safe way to handle bad weather conditions. When these conditions do pop up unexpectedly, many drivers panic, not knowing what to do because they don't know how to adapt to the changing environment.
This is something that probably didn't have their full attention during driver's education class. Not knowing whether to turn on their high beams or low lights, or to slow down gradually or slam on the brakes, puts young drivers in situations where they definitely do not want to be.
This inexperience on the road leads to sometimes fatal car crashes or even simple fender benders. In addition to this, they encounter a range of distractions while driving--not only in bad weather but regular times, as well--such as when using cell phones, eating that breakfast they didn't have time for in the house, driving too many friends around or rocking out to their favorite songs on the radio. All of these factors cause a lack of attention to what is happening on the road.
Not only do lack of attention and panic affect young drivers, many of them do not take the time to make sure their cars are in shape for driving in such conditions. It is said that an ordinary driver reacts to road situations, while a good driver thinks ahead about possible crises and avoids them.
In order to do this, it is always good to make sure everything in your car is in line. This includes making sure all your lights work, the brakes are in good condition, the battery is charged, tire pressure is normal, the front and rear defrosters are working efficiently, the gas tank is at least halfway filled and the windshield wipers are intact and working.
In addition to keeping your car up to par, it is also a good idea to have a winter driving kit in your car's trunk or back seat. These kits ensure that if something were to happen to a young driver while on the road, they would have everything they need to make it out OK.
Being prepared is only one step of winter driving; while actually out on the road, driving is different than it is in regular sunny weather.
While driving, slow down, be alert and do not use cruise control--you should be in full control of the car at all times. Use your low-beam headlights, stay in the right-hand lane and remain farther back from the car in front of you, in case you have to stop suddenly when there is ice on the road that could cause you to lose control of the car.
Most importantly, be patient. If for some reason your car starts to skid, do not brake or accelerate; instead, steer in the direction you want the car to go and try to put the car into neutral if possible. Doing these things will allow you to regain control of the car without crashing or flipping over.
Overall, winter driving for young drivers is a learning experience, one that should be received with open arms, but arms ready to be responsible and to drive safely, with caution for you and others around you.
KATIE ARQUIETTE is a sophomore at Massaponax High School.
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Winter travel kits What you should keep in your car in case you get stuck in a slippery situation:sand snow shovel jumper cable paper towels blanket road maps granola bars or other snacks |
