With Changing Weather, Teen Drivers Need Guidance

Never before has the weather been so unpredictable. Last year, Hurricane season wore out its welcome, unleashing a record number of storms on America. Snowfalls appeared in regions where warmth usually reigns supreme and colder regions relished in unexpected heat-waves. This year weather stations are reporting El Nino is back.

Whether we like it or not, the changing climate and unpredictability in weather affects our daily lives. But what it means to our daily routine goes far beyond asking the weatherman if we should wear long pants or shorts today. The weather affects our personal safety, particularly when it comes to driving.

When your teen driver gets behind the wheel, it's important that they consider much more than whether their mirrors are positioned correctly. Sure, new drivers are conditioned to check their blind spots, adjust their seats, and survey their surroundings before shifting into drive. But it's what they might not be doing that could affect their driving safety.

Americans are failing to adjust their driving habits to suit changing driving conditions. And the results are accidents, higher insurance premiums and even fatalities. As drivers, we've become creatures of habit. We know our surroundings, we know our familiar routes, and we know how to navigate our streets. And as human beings, we tend to feel very comfortable in our own familiar surroundings. Driving on a road for the first time, we pay strict attention to where we're going.

Unfortunately, as time goes by, and as driving routes become more familiar, drivers tend to become a little more relaxed and a little less aware. Even new teen drivers can quickly feel a comfort level with familiar driving routes, establishing a false sense of security. Mix this new extreme comfort level with a sudden change in whether and a once familiar route will quickly turn to something completely unfamiliar and unexpected.

A traditional rainstorm in a warmer climate like California can easily turn to ice as the temperature drops. And when the roads are icy, traditional driving habits no longer apply. If your teen driver leaves home unaware of the change in environment, a once familiar, safe route can turn deadly.

There are countless other weather-related driving tips that only a defensive drivers education program will provide your child with. A quick onset of fog means reduced visibility for your car and other drivers as well. Think proactively. Turn on your 4-way flashers so that other drivers are aware that you're ahead of them. This will help other drivers keep their distance and hopefully prevent them from rear-ending your vehicle.

If you live in a northern state and are experiencing more snow than ever before, you may want to consider replacing your all-seasonal tires with snow tires. Experts agree that snow tires offer improved handling in winter conditions.

A good drivers education provides your teen driver with all the insight they need to tackle all driving conditions. Reduce speed in rainstorms. Reduce speed in the snow. Increase the distance between your car and the car in front of you in poor weather. A good drivers education online course can supplement their behind-the-wheel experience for your teen driver and make them aware of these tips and more that they might need to stay ahead of poor weather - no matter what Mother Nature drops on our roads.