Help your teen driver steer clear of springtime driving challenges

If winter was your first winter with a teen driver, you’re probably relieved spring is here. Hopefully no more ice, sleet, snow, or whiteout conditions.

However, no matter what the season, it can be tricky for young drivers. Springtime driving challenges can include:

• Potholes;
• Deteriorated windshield wipers;
• Hydroplaning; and
• Orange constructions barrels.

Here are some things to watch for and to discuss with your teen driver(s).

Potholes

Potholes can cause significant damage to your car if your teen driver hits them straight on. This can include damage to your tires, rims, suspension, exhaust system, and steering.

All drivers should be leery of what’s hiding under a puddle of water. Always try to steer around a large puddle if you can safely do so. Never swerve as this could put you in the path of an oncoming car.

Windshield Wipers

Windshield wipers are a critical component, but they’re often neglected. They take a beating from the sun, cold, snow, and rain. Make sure you change the windshield wipers on your cars every six months. Doing this ensures the best vision possible.

Hydroplaning

During rainy conditions, hydroplaning can occur. Hydroplaning is a function of speed, inadequate tire tread, and standing water. Hydroplaning occurs when water on the road causes your tires to lose contact with the road. This loss of contact results in a loss of steering and braking.

Check your car’s tires to make sure they have adequate tread to push the water away from the tire. Also, never use cruise control on a wet surface.

Road Construction

In Wisconsin, orange road construction barrels have started making their way onto our freeway system. It’s important to obey reduced speed limit signs to keep the construction workers safe. In addition, it’s important to watch for changing traffic patterns.

Road America's Teen Driving School

To improve your teen drivers’ skills and help them learn how to safely navigate around springtime challenges, consider enrolling them in Road America’s Teen Driving School sponsored by West Bend. Road America’s Teen Driving School is an advanced driving school that focuses on skills not taught in driver’s education. Skills include:

• Skid prevention and control – Teaches how to react and handle a car if you lose control.
• ABS vs. threshold braking – Teaches the difference between the two and how to effectively use ABS brakes. Never pump ABS brakes!
• Collision avoidance maneuvers – Teaches how to make aggressive lane changes while keeping your car in control.
• Proper vision skills – Teaches where to look, proper mirror use, and viewing traffic situations from a distance.

This program is offered several times during the year at Road America in Elkhart Lake, WI, and runs from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm CST.