Driving in winter can be challenging, even for the best drivers. Slick, slippery roads present the same problems for everyone, regardless of who is behind the wheel. For teen drivers, winter roads can be especially hazardous, primarily because they have less driving experience in general. To be safe on the roads even in the winter, following are some tips for teenage drivers on how to prevent accidents and arrive safely at their destination – and save on personal car insurance premiums.
Know Good Driving Habits
Those who provide personal car insurance state that safe driving in bad weather starts with safe driving in good weather. Teens must understand how the importance of distraction-free driving as well as other good driving habits can prevent accidents. This includes knowing the proper following distance, always using turn signals, and not cutting people off or driving erratically. Obeying posted speed or traffic signs and signals is essential.
Understand How Bad Weather Affects Driving
On wet, slippery, and icy roads, there is a great possibility of sliding or slipping and losing control of a car. Personal car insurance advisers recommend driving defensively, that taking these conditions into account is the best way to prevent loss of control – and is what ultimately causes accidents.
Personal car insurance companies urge that the most important thing to remember when driving on bad roads is that sudden reactions – such as hard braking or swerving – are most likely to cause loss of control and should be avoided. It is better to slow down, leave extra room for braking, and steer or brake gently, avoiding sudden or harsh movements. Brake only when driving straight; is the car begins to slide, keep the front wheels pointed straight ahead and don’t slam on the brakes to avoid car accidents.
Don’t Rush
Even when practicing good driving habits, personal car insurance companies say that being in a rush is still one of the main cause of accidents, both on good and bad roads. Simply being preoccupied with the thought of being late, or feeling a need to go faster than conditions permit, affects how people drive. The best way to stay focused on safe driving in bad weather is to understand the trip will take longer than expected and accept that fact. Being a little late is always preferable to the other possibility of being involved in a weather-related car accident.
Pull Over If Conditions Worsen
Every driver has his or her own confidence limits when it comes to driving in bad weather. The best way to avoid accidents under any type of driving conditions is to drive confidently – and if that confidence is lost, pull over. Finding a safe place off the road to wait is a better idea than continuing to drive in unsafe conditions. There is nothing so important that a driver cannot pull off the road and regroup mentally if nervous about the driving conditions. Personal car insurance agencies suggest drivers take a break or call for help if necessary.
The ability to drive is a great moment in every teen’s life. To continue having a great driving experience, teens must learn good driving habits to keep them safe in both good and bad weather. A good driving record in the early stages of driving also helps teenage drivers keep their personal car insurance rates lower!
