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Preparing Young Drivers for Winter Conditions

Posted at 10:49 PM, Dec 16, 2013
and last updated 2013-12-17 06:37:17-05

JENISON, Mich. — As the early winter assault continues, police are reminding drivers to slow down.

No matter how long you’ve been driving, the slick roads can seem daunting.  FOX 17 headed out with drivers training instructor Steve Baar to teach the newest generation of drivers how to be safe on wintery roads.

Baar rarely ever cancels driving lessons due to bad weather. He says that teaching students what not to do during his lessons is easily done by pointing out mistakes made by other drivers.

“In reality it’s the best time to learn to drive in the snow when you have an instructor with you,” Baar said. “You can talk about driving in the slush and about slowing down or what it feels like when the car moves around and not to panic.”

Student Aaron Johnson, 14, says practicing in wintery conditions will make him a better driver. “Eventually you will be driving in that, and there’s not going to be a guy sitting next to you telling you what you can or can’t do,” Aaron said.

When the teens get their licenses and head out on the road alone, Baar says the extreme driving experience helps put parents of new drivers at ease.

The Michigan State Police website lists several ways to keep yourself safe on the dangerous wintery roads.