How to Teach Winter Driving

There's a world of difference between driving on clear roads and winter conditions. For someone new to a winter climate or new to the driving experience, teach some basics to increase safety behind the wheel. Concentrate on things that occur frequently when driving in winter.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Empty ice- or snow-covered parking lot

1. Emphasize the importance of proper speed. Snow and ice on the roads means normal driving speed must decrease to meet the conditions.
2. Practice skidding in an empty, icy parking lot. Have the driver force the skid by accelerating, then braking to make the car slide. Teach the driver to gently steer in the direction of a skid and avoid hitting the brakes.
3. Drive along a route used often in winter. Teach the driver about the difference between sunny and shaded areas. A key winter driving tip is to be aware you can go from bare road to ice in a split second and adjust your speed accordingly.
4. Discuss the rule about distance between cars. This distance needs increase in winter so there's time to braking in snow or on ice.
5. Use the empty icy parking lot again for lessons on braking. Cars with anti-lock braking systems (ABS) have a particular feel, and the driver should acclimate himself to the way they catch and sound. Teach about careful gentle touches to the brake while staying off the gas for cars without ABS systems.
6. Teach vehicle preparation in winter driving. The driver needs to learn about having windshield wiper fluid, working headlights, clearing packed snow from wheel wells, clearing all snow and ice from the car and understanding how to safely get help.

Tips & Warnings

• Teach the driver about remaining calm so that she can make good decisions quickly.
• Remember to tell the driver about the important of remaining with a stranded vehicle in a breakdown or accident, and to signal for help. Suggest keeping a flag or flare in the car.
• Driving schools offer special courses in winter driving. This is an excellent investment for a new driver.
• Make sure you know what you're doing before teaching someone else.