Here are some tips to pass along to your teen driver as it's becoming more clear that summer is officially over...
In rain...- Make it a point to turn on your lights whenever you have your windshield wipers on.
- Double or even triple the amount of following space you leave between you and the car in front of you when weather is wet.
- Brake gently
- Accelerate slowly
- Crack a window to keep your windshield from fogging up
- Remember, bridges and overpasses freeze before roads do
- Don't apply cruise control
In ice and snow...- If you're stuck in ice or snow and aren't able to gain traction, try placing the floor mats under the tired
- If you back up into ice or snow, make sure your tailpipe is clear or you could get carbon monoxide poisoning
- Make sure you have window washing fluid-- you may need it in the even of sleet or snow
- Keep your pace steady and slow, but not so slow you become stuck in deeper ice/snow
In fog...- Stay to the right of the roadway
- Turn on lowbeams
- If you cannot see the roadway, pull clear off the road away from traffic. Turn on hazard lights and wait until visibility improves
In high winds...- It's best not to drive a van or other high profile type vehicle or to tow a trailer
- If you're following behind a vehicle with a tow or trailer take extra precaution and keep your distance
It's also a good idea to keep an emergency pack in your car with ice scraper, a bag of sand/salt/cat litter, flares or triangles, flashlight and extra batteries, first aid kit, jumper cables, nonperishable snacks, a candle and matches, a cup in case you have to melt snow for water, a shovel, gloves, a blanket, and even a pair of boots.
Thanks to
www.teendriving.com
