Winter A Dangerous Time for Teen Drivers

CHICAGO, Feb. 14, 2007 -- The American Automobile Association (AAA) reports that teen drivers are the single most dangerous group of motorists on the road. Add the hazards posed by winter weather and you have a potential recipe for disaster, according to Timothy C. Smith, author of "Crashproof Your Kids!: Make Your Teen a Safer, Smarter Driver", (2006, Simon & Schuster).

The author asserts that parents are the key to reducing teen crashes. "Teenagers need good car handling skills and safe attitudes. Only parents can provide the time and restrictions necessary for them to become safer, smarter drivers."

Smith recommends the following advice for winter's snow, ice, and poor visibility:

  * Reduce speed. Don't be pressured by cars behind you, and leave early to
    avoid being late.

  * Increase following distance. Add another second or more to the normal 3
    second following distance from the car in front of you.

  * Brake more carefully. Give yourself more braking room, and don't pump
    anti-lock brakes. Constant pressure provides better braking and steering
    control.

  * Beware of ice patches. Understand where ice forms most readily--bridges,
    overpasses, shady spots and intersections.

  * In snow, drive in the ruts. Traction is better in the tire tracks.
    Change lanes slowly and smoothly.

  * Stay home! Postpone or avoid all but the most essential travel.

Smith warns that many drivers feel overconfident with four-wheel drive. "Four wheel drive does little to help you stop more effectively in slippery conditions at normal driving speeds."

If you lose traction

When a car slides, most beginning drivers hit the brakes and then oversteer, both actions often causing skids to worsen.

"If your car starts to skid, immediately get off the gas and don't brake," he cautions. "Turn the steering wheel in small increments in the same direction you want the front end to go until you regain control."

Smith suggests checking traction before entering traffic by carefully applying the brakes at low speed. "Sometimes snow can have reasonable traction, or a seemingly dry road can be treacherous."

The author, a certified driving instructor, has created a Crashproof Plan (www.crashproofyourkids.com) outlining behind-the-wheel exercises and strategies for parents and teens to reduce the risks of driver error, speeding, drugs and alcohol, distractions and road rage.