Winter time is when everyone needs to be extra cautious on our roadways. Driving conditions vary between normal dry roads to wet, slick, ice-covered roads to snowy roads making driving hazardous. Lack of caution in these conditions imperils everyone on the roadways, whether highway, back roads or city streets. 

According to the Federal Highway Administration, nearly 900 people are killed and 76,000 people are injured in vehicle crashes due to snowfall or icy conditions every year. Driving this time of year can be scary for any driver, especially younger drivers who don’t have years of experience.

A recent study by Liberty Mutual Insurance and SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions) found that 71 percent of high school students use their cell phones while driving, putting them at a greater risk of an accident. This study also looked at other forms of risky teen driving behavior by high school seniors such as speeding (35 percent) and driving drowsy (26 percent).   

Smarter winter driving starts with these tips by Mike Sample, lead driving safety expert and technical consultant at Liberty Mutual: 

Skid control. If your teens’ car starts to skid due to a slick road, teach them to take their foot off the gas and don’t brake immediately as it will continue the skid. Instead, drivers should let the wheels roll and keep both hands on the wheel, steering toward where they want to go; once the vehicle slows, apply the brakes gently to regain control.  

Keep your gas tank close to full. Before leaving, make sure the gas tank is close to full and you have an emergency kit and mobile phone charger in your car, in case you get stuck out on the road. 

Keep your distance between cars. The normal three to four seconds between cars in dry conditions should be increased to eight to 10 seconds in inclement weather. 

Get quality windshield wipers. Make sure your teen has a quality set of windshield wiper blades on the car he or she will be driving. Good wipers are your best defense against snow. Also, make sure to completely fill the windshield wash reservoir to allow for a clean windshield while driving. If the wipers leave streaks during fall rains, be sure to change the blades before those drops turn to flakes.  

Have all lights functioning properly to see and be seen. Make sure your teen checks that car lights are functioning properly. This includes headlights, tail lights, brake lights and turn signal lights. Explain to your teen that using the turn signals shows intent so other drivers know when your teen is making a lane change or turning into a driveway.  

Test your ABS anti-lock brake system. In a safe environment, while driving in a straight line and at slow speed, when there are no other cars around, have your teen hold the brake down hard and bring the car to a complete stop. This will allow them to feel how the ABS brakes work. It is always better to practice before you need them in an emergency.  

Be sure to keep a snow brush and scraper in your car. Ensure your teen has a snow brush and a scraper at all times and teach them how to clean the front, back and side windows. Be sure to remind him or her that the headlights must be clean as well. Thick snow needs to be removed from the hood, roof and trunk, too. 

Lee Edwards of Niantic has worked in the transportation industry for more than two decades.

-- Slow down to improve traction. 

-- Avoid braking and turning at the same time to avoid a spinout. 

-- Accelerate and decelerate more slowly than you would on dry roads. 

-- Drive with your low-beam headlights on to increase your visibility. 

-- Avoid using cruise control, which can reduce traction. 

-- If you start to skid, don’t slam on the brakes. Doing so could cause a spinout. 

-- Let teens create their own winter emergency kit with a snow brush, scraper, de-icer, kitty litter or other abrasive material to toss under tires for traction, a small shovel, warning flares or triangle reflectors, a blanket, flashlight with fresh batteries, first-aid kit, jumper cables, bottled water, snacks and any necessary medicine.  -- Make sure cell phones are fully charged in case of an emergency. 

Source: AAA World magazine (January/February 2018)