As a new driver in the winter, Canada is yours to drive and discover but that includes learning about the dangers of it as well. There are more vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists, and other dangerous wintertime hazards to be aware of than ever before. It’s important to be aware of what these hazards are and assume, prepare and act if and when they come to fruition. New drivers are still learning and developing their driving skills, which is why it’s necessary to practice hazard identification as a component of safe driving.

Central Driving School is here to help you improve your driving skills and safety. Check out the four winter road hazards to expect this year. 

Heavy Snow, Hail Or Ice

Canadian winters are severe and can cause many problems for drivers on the road. Snow, ice, rain, and hail are all hazards to a new driver that is not experienced with these winter conditions. Factoring in snow, ice, and negative temperatures when driving can enhance your focus to ultimately make you more cautious and slow down on the road. Winter conditions can wreak havoc on the roads and increase the likelihood of accidents, which new drivers must anticipate each time they drive during winter.

Poor View From Windshield and Windows

Visibility during rainy weather is difficult, but visibility during winter is far worse. From snowflakes to ice and slush, your windshield can become completely covered and block your view. This can also occur on the back rear windshield and side-view mirrors, which makes driving safely nearly impossible. Before driving during the winter, ensure your windshield washer fluid is full, your windshields and side mirrors are clear using a snow brush and ice scraper. 

Dead Battery

Cold temperatures can cause your battery to fail, especially if the battery is several years old. As a new driver, you may not anticipate a dead battery right away, however, it can very likely happen when you least expect it. Prepare for this hazard by having jumper cables in your vehicle in case you need to recharge the battery on your own. It’s logical to take your vehicle in for a tune-up to ensure the battery is working optimally and does not need to be replaced. If the battery requires replacement, you should do so before any driving takes place to avoid an emergency.

Wheels Have No Traction

Snow, slush and ice on the road take their toll on your vehicle’s wheels. It’s imperative to your safety and smooth driving to invest in winter tires before driving in any winter conditions. 

Central Driving School is your go-to for effective and reliable driving lessons and defensive driving courses in Edmonton. We offer winter driving lessons for students to learn the necessary driving skills and how to prepare for the hazards of winter. Send us an email or give us a call to register for our driver training in Edmonton today!

Related: Winter Driving Tips