Warming Weather Gives Drivers False Sense of Security

March 20, 2009

As we get ready to head into April and welcome the prospect of much warmer weather, it's natural for us to get excited about driving again.

For those states that find themselves in the path of Mother Nature's wrath, we feel your pain and share your excitement. Last winter, which was particularly brutal, saw lots of drivers across the country being asked to attend a land-based or online traffic school to correct a traffic violation after an accident.

Rising temperatures in the weeks to come mean that there likely won't be any snow on the road — great news for drivers who hate snow. Let's face it. Driving on snow—covered and icy roads is anything but fun. Reducing your speed while wiping away slush and snow from your car's windshield—all while trying to avoid getting into an accident and being ordered to attend traffic school to correct a violation that's really Mother Nature's fault—doesn't make for the best driving experience.

And it's especially less enjoyable for those drivers who aren't used to negotiating turns while dodging snowflakes. In December, Las Vegas was hit with the biggest snowstorm they've experienced since 1979. Over 3.6 inches covered the strip, wreaking havoc on Las Vegas Boulevard as drivers struggled to stay in control of their cars.

Accidents like these occur every day in snowy cities across America and countless drivers find themselves being asked to attend an online defensive driving program as a result of poor judgment on the road.

But even with a blizzard of unfavorable conditions that drivers across the country had to deal with this past winter, there's something to be said for driving in snow.

As many drivers who reside in wintery communities across America know all too well, that first snowfall of the year clogs the roads with an unfathomable number of fender benders.

While a nuisance, those fender benders serve as a reminder that we all need to be more careful on the road or we'll end up having to take an online traffic school course or defensive driving program.

Paying attention to the distance between the cars ahead, being mindful of our speed, and giving ourselves enough time to react are just a few of the habits drivers in colder climates have developed.

But as soon as the snow stops falling, watch out. Literally. Drivers on the road tend to have a false sense of security the moment it's warm enough to roll down the window without having to worry about frostbite.

This spring, don't become one of those drivers.

Remember, accidents can happen in any type of road and weather conditions. Just because there's no snow on the road, it doesn't mean that it's safe to put the pedal to the metal.

So how can you avoid ending up in a traffic accident? How can you avoid being stopped for speeding? How can you avoid being sent to an online traffic school class for a mistake you made while driving in perfect road conditions?

Pretend it's snowing. No, we're not recommending outfitting yourself with earmuffs and a parka when the thermometer hits the high 60s. What we are suggesting is that you drive with as much caution and care as you would during Christmas.

It's a small tip that can make a world of difference this spring and summer. And it will certainly help you the moment the snow begins to fall again.