Winter Driving Tips by Taylor Payne

This is my second year of driving in the winter, and though I’m not the best driver ever, I’ve never been in a car accident. I definitely am not a qualified professional driver by any means. I have hit my fair share of poles downtown, had my car break down in the middle of a turn lane, and failed a u-turn which landed me horizontal across both lanes next to Coborns. But no car accident, so I must be doing something right!

Winter is the worst time of the year for driving, especially for behind the wheel scaredy-cats like myself. I have found that going out at least five minutes before leaving and turning on your car helps like a dream.

The defrosters will become your best friend and allow your car a quick melt from fallen snow or ice. When going back out, scrape away what is left. Don’t play smart and leave ice on your windshield right in your vision. Trust me, it seems as though you will be able to look around it when driving, but it is a lot different when you’re going 40 down Roosevelt, your car starts sliding, and you can barely see as much as the car in front of you.

Another tip I’ve learned is to keep something of warmth somewhere in your car. There is always a blanket and/or sweatshirt in the trunk of my car. If something were to happen, any type of warmth would help greatly. I admit, I’ve even wrapped myself in the blanket after a car ride home from a long visit at a friend’s house when my car was freezing.

My biggest piece of advice, from one teen to another, is to know what to do when your car starts sliding (and it will). It is normal to get scared, but do not allow yourself to panic and swerve. Take control of the car.

Always stop ahead of time and ease into stop lights or signs to prevent back-ending and take turns slowly. Would you rather look a little funny taking a turn slowly or get into a wreck and possibly hurt others and yourself?