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Practice in Other Conditions

For new drivers, it can be challenging to drive in new and unfamiliar conditions, such as inclement weather, at different times of day, and with varying traffic volume. It’s best that you provide guidance before they experience these conditions on their own.

Night driving

A driver’s reaction depends on their vision, which is limited at night, making it difficult to make judgments and see pedestrians, bicyclists, and other obstacles. Some tips to keep in mind:

  • Glare from headlights makes it difficult to see. Looking toward the right side of the road and flipping the rearview mirror can help to reduce glare.
  • Low-beam headlights should be on at all times, but are required at night.
  • High beams should only be used when other drivers won’t see them, such as on roads with little traffic.
  • To compensate for reduced visibility, drive more slowly and at a greater following distance.

Wet/slippery roads

Coach your teen to practice the following:

  • Turn on the wipers as soon as the windshield becomes wet.
  • Turn on the low-beam headlights; this helps others see you. The law requires you to use your headlights and taillights whenever you use your windshield wipers. Daytime running lights are not sufficient.
  • Reduce your speed and increase your following distance to five or six seconds. When roads are wet, braking distance increases. When roads are wet, braking distance increases.
  • Be more cautious, and slow down on curves and when approaching intersections.
  • Turn the defroster on to keep windows from fogging over.

Hydroplaning

Hydroplaning occurs as a result of water on the road that is deeper than the tire tread. This reduces friction and you can lose control. If you can see deep water, reflections on the pavement, or that the car ahead leaves no tracks on the water, these are indications you could hydroplane. Prevent this by slowing down.

Fog

Use low-beam lights and fog lights if your vehicle has them. Don’t use high beams – they reflect off the fog causing reduced visibility. Slow down until your speed matches your ability to see, even if it means slowing to a crawl.

Snow

It’s best to stay off the roads until they are cleared and treated. If you have to drive, make sure your vehicle is clear of snow and ice before driving. Driving can cause snow/ice to slide and block your view, or fly off and strike other vehicles.

  • When starting to drive in snow, keep the wheels straight ahead and accelerate gently to avoid spinning the tires.
  • Decrease your speed to make up for a loss of traction. Accelerate and decelerate gently, and be extra careful when braking.
  • Stopping distances can be up to 10 times greater in ice and snow. Begin the slowing-down process long before a stop. Try to brake only when traveling in a straight line.
  • Look ahead for dangerous spots, such as shaded areas and bridge surfaces that may be icy when the rest of the road is clear.
  • Stay far behind the vehicle ahead so you will not need to come to a sudden stop, which can cause skidding.

Drowsy driving

Staying alert means focusing on the road and not driving when fatigued. Review signs of drowsy driving, such as difficulty focusing, frequent blinking, or drifting from your lane. Remind your teen to take a break after driving for two hours, or after 100 miles. Teens should avoid driving at times they would normally be sleeping.