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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, different times of day, and 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 adjusting the rearview mirror to the night setting can help to reduce glare.
  • Headlights are required from half an hour after sunset to half an hour before sunrise and any time there is insufficient light to see 500 feet away.
  • High beams should only be used when other drivers won’t see them, such as on roads with little traffic. Remember to turn down your high beams when approaching an intersection, even if you don’t see another vehicle.
  • To compensate for reduced visibility, drive more slowly and at a greater following distance.

Rural driving

When driving in rural or country areas, there are a number of situations that require special attention.

  • Watch for driveways, farm equipment, railroad crossings that might not be marked, and bridges that are narrow or poorly surfaced. Some intersections may be hidden by trees, brush, or crops.
  • Animals often are found wandering along the roadway. Be alert for deer at dawn and dusk, and especially in the fall and spring (although vehicle-deer crashes can occur at any time). Watch for deer crossing signs. Slow down if you see one deer; they frequently travel in groups so chances are there’d be others nearby.
  • Extra care and slower speeds should be used when driving on gravel roads because of the reduced traction. The road surface can be affected by loose gravel, slippery conditions after rain or snow, ruts in the driving lanes, and washboard conditions.
  • When approaching oncoming vehicles, watch for soft shoulders or the absence of shoulders.

Driving in the rain

When rain begins to fall lightly, water, dust, oil and leaves cause the roadway to become slippery. The road is most slippery after it begins raining.

  • Don’t drive through a flooded area — Six inches of water can cause a vehicle to lose control and possibly stall.

Coach your teen to practice the following:

  • Turn on the wipers as soon as the windshield becomes wet.
  • Turn on the low-beam headlights.
  • Reduce your speed and increase your following distance to 5 or 6 seconds.
  • Be more cautious. Slow down on curves and when approaching intersections.
  • Turn off cruise control.
  • Turn the defroster on.

Hydroplaning occurs as a result of water on the road that is deeper than your tire tread. This reduces friction and can result in the loss of 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 your car could hydroplane. Slow 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.

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 2 hours, or after 100 miles. Teens should avoid driving at times they would normally be sleeping. Always increase following distance at night.