Icy roads, freezing temperatures, hail and snow can lead to additional risks for inexperienced drivers. Knowing how to handle dangerous weather conditions is a practical skill for this wintertime drivers.
According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, more than half a million car crashes occur annually under winter weather conditions.
“If it’s too bad out when in doubt, you don’t even need to be out driving,” driver’s education teacher at Nixa High School James Pendergrass said.
Staying off the roads during dangerous weather can be a sure way to stay safe. However, if avoiding the roads isn’t possible, Steven Wilbur, a resource officer at NHS, said that drivers should be cautious and aware while driving.
“Adjust your speed,” Wilbur said. “Make sure you give everybody plenty of room in front of you, behind you and to the side of you. Just remember that when [you] are driving on icy roads, make sure you have gas in your car and have it stocked up with supplies.”
Pendergrass said that people should be prepared to deal with icy windshields this winter so that they can see the road safely.
“It’s always a good idea to have a de-icer to help with the windows as well as an ice scraper,” Pendergrass said. “You want to make sure that your ice scraper is not nicked or dented because you don’t want to do any damage to your car.”
The belief that hot water can act as a de-icer is false and could actually cause a lot of damage to a car, such as cracks or broken windows.
Even with a clear windshield, new tires and a full gas tank, getting into a wreck on icy or snowy roads is a risk. Wilbur said that there are a couple of things one can do to avoid or decrease the damage of a crash.
“Take your foot off the gas,” Wilbur said. “Don’t hit the brakes. If you do start to slide and skid, steer towards the direction you’re sliding and that’ll cause your vehicle to kind of recorrect itself and straighten back out.”
Fire operations division chief at Springfield Sister Cities Association Eric Latimer said people should check weather apps so they can dress and create a plan before going out in the cold.
“Wear the proper attire if you’re going out in the snow or walking to school so you don’t get frostbite,” Latimer said. “The weather apps on our phones are a good way to stay connected with the weather. Be aware of any weather conditions before you leave your home.”
Senior Gage Hasson has been a licensed driver for roughly two years.
“I drive way slower when the weather conditions are bad,” Hasson said. “It’s just better to be safe than sorry. … One mistake could be fatal; it’s not something that is worth risking.”
Being a new driver during the winter season can be intimidating. Hasson’s two years of experience have provided him with some knowledge about winter driving.
“Learn basic car things,” Hasson said. “Knowing how to use jumper cables and for sure how to change a tire.”
