1. Prepare Your Vehicle for Winter Driving

Your car is your best ally in winter, but only when equipped to handle the harsh conditions. A little preparation can go a long way.

• Inspect your tires: Tires with adequate tread are critical. If possible, switch to winter tires, as they’re designed to provide better traction on snow and ice. Check tire pressure frequently—cold temperatures can cause it to drop. This can affect your tire’s performance, and performance on the road equals safety.
• Top off all fluids: Winter-grade windshield washer fluid is essential to prevent freezing. Also, ensure your coolant is at the correct level and mixed to handle freezing temperatures.
• Check your battery health: Cold weather can reduce battery efficiency. A weak battery is more likely to fail in freezing temperatures, so consider having it tested at a service center.
• Pack an emergency kit: A winter driving kit should include a flashlight, extra batteries, a first aid kit, a blanket, snacks, water, a phone charger, jumper cables, a snow scraper, and a small shovel. For added safety, include a bag of sand or cat litter to help with traction if you get stuck.

2. Check the Weather Before You Go

New York winters can be unpredictable, with snow, sleet, and freezing rain all possible in a single day. Staying informed about the weather can make all the difference.

• Monitor real-time updates: Resources, like 511NY, are available to check road conditions, closures, and weather updates before you hit the road.
• Plan ahead: If a winter storm is forecast, consider rescheduling your plans if possible.

Pro tip: Always have a Plan B. Unexpected road closures or poor conditions may require alternate routes or even an overnight stay.

3. Slow and Steady Driving

Driving cautiously is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to stay safe. Winter roads demand patience and precision.

• Reduce your speed: Icy or snowy roads significantly increase stopping distances. Driving slower gives you more time to react.
• Increase following distance: Aim for at least 6 to 10 seconds of following distance to allow ample time for safe braking.
• Smooth movements: Sudden braking, accelerating, or sharp steering can cause your vehicle to lose traction. Always handle the controls gently in slippery conditions.

4. Recognize and Avoid Black Ice

Black ice is a thin layer of ice that blends with the road, making it nearly invisible. It’s most common on shaded roads, bridges, and overpasses.

• Signs of black ice: If the road looks wet but you don’t hear water splashing from your tires, it may be icy.
• How to handle black ice: If you hit a patch, don’t panic. Ease off the accelerator and keep your steering steady. Avoid braking unless absolutely necessary.

Remember: Roads are often slipperier during the early morning or evening when temperatures are lowest.

5. Share the Road with Snowplows

Snowplows work hard to keep roads safe, but they can present unique challenges for drivers.

• Maintain distance: Stay at least 200 feet behind snowplows to avoid debris and give them room to maneuver.
• Do not pass: The road ahead of the plow is often in worse condition than the road behind it. Passing a snowplow could leave you vulnerable to poor road conditions or limited visibility.
• Be cautious around salt spreaders: Flying salt or sand can damage your vehicle and obscure visibility.

6. Light Up the Way

Winter driving often comes with reduced visibility due to snow, fog, or shorter daylight hours. Proper lighting is crucial for your safety.

• Use low beams in bad weather: High beams can reflect off snow and impair your vision. Stick to low beams or fog lights.
• Keep your lights clean: Snow, ice, and dirt can build up on headlights and taillights, reducing their effectiveness. Wipe them clean regularly.

7. Handle Skids Like a Pro

A skid can be terrifying, but knowing how to respond can keep you safe.

• Front-wheel skid (understeer): If your car doesn’t turn as expected, take your foot off the gas and gently steer in the direction you want to go.
• Rear-wheel skid (oversteer): If the back of your car slides, steer in the same direction as the skid. For example, if the rear of your car slides to the right, turn your wheel to the right.
• Avoid overcorrecting: Quick, jerky movements can make the skid worse. Stay calm and make smooth adjustments.

8. Drive Defensively

In winter, being cautious isn’t enough—you also need to be alert for other drivers’ mistakes.

• Stay alert for pedestrians and cyclists: Snowbanks and icy sidewalks may push them closer to the road.
• Anticipate mistakes: Other drivers may brake suddenly or lose control. Be prepared to react safely.
• Keep both hands on the wheel: Winter roads require your full attention, so minimize distractions like phone use or eating.

9. Avoid Using Cruise Control

While cruise control is great for long drives, it’s dangerous on slippery roads.

• Maintain manual control: You need to be ready to adjust your speed immediately if you encounter ice, snow, or sudden traffic changes. Cruise control can delay your reaction time and increase the risk of losing traction.

10. Smart Parking Practices

Parking during winter comes with its own set of challenges, especially in urban areas like New York City.

• Choose spots carefully: Avoid parking near snowbanks or in areas prone to plowing. Snow can block your car or damage it if pushed by a plow.
• Lift your wipers: To prevent them from freezing to the windshield, lift your wipers when parking during a storm.
• Keep an ice scraper handy: You’ll likely need it after parking outdoors during snowfall or freezing rain.

Safety First, Always

Driving in New York winters may seem daunting, but with the right preparation and mindset, it’s entirely manageable. Take your time, stay alert, and don’t be afraid to delay your plans if conditions seem unsafe. After all, arriving late is better than not arriving at all.

By following these tips, you’ll be better equipped to handle whatever winter throws your way. Safe travels, and don’t forget to enjoy the beauty of the season!

The post How to Stay Safe on New York Roads During Winter: Essential Tips appeared first on MyImprov.

Have you ever been driving through a rainstorm and your windshield wipers were so old and worn that you couldn’t see in front of you? Windshield wipers are meant to be changed periodically for this very reason. In fact, it is one of the things you learn when you take an online defensive driving course for driver safety.

It is important for your safety, as well as that of your passengers to know when windshield wiper replacement is needed and how to install windshield wipers on your vehicle. Believe us when we say that waiting until your windshield wipers are so bad that you can’t see during an unexpected rainstorm is not a good idea. Here are some telltale signs that it is windshield wiper replacement time:

Replace Your Windshield Wipers When…

1. There is streaking or hazing on your windshield during snow or rain
2. They are making a loud or chattering noise, which indicates they are not working to clean the window smoothly
3. The rubber on your windshield wipers is cracked or split or the metal arm is cracked or bent out of shape

Typically, windshield wipers need to be replaced every 6 months unless you are having any of the above issues before that time. Clean windshield wipers that are functioning properly are crucial for driving safely in any season.

If you are not sure about properly maintaining your vehicle properly for safety, consider taking an online traffic school and defensive driving course like the ones offered at the Traffic School by Improv Comedy Club. These helpful classes can be taken by drivers of any age to ensure you and your passengers are always safe & prepared for anything that might happen while driving. The experienced team at Traffic School by Improv Comedy Club knows that driver safety is no joking matter, so they offer a variety of online traffic school classes to ensure everyone can best the best driver possible…and have a little bit of fun while learning road safety.

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There are several good reasons you may want to consider making the switch to LED headlights for your vehicle, the most important is safety. The simple fact that LED headlights better light the road allowing you to see more clearly at night is a huge safety feature. Defensive driving and being aware of what is happening around you is key for accident free driving.

Even car manufacturers are beginning to see the advantages of LED headlights and are making the change from the less-efficient halogen bulb car headlights. In an effort to increase vehicle safety, the auto industry has begun using the best headlight bulbs available, which are LED headlights. They want to give drivers every advantage they can for safety and using the brightest headlights with LED headlight bulbs in their vehicles is a great place to start in an effort to improve driver safety.

If you don’t already have LED headlights in your vehicle, now is the time to upgrade. In addition to increasing safety while driving, there are many reasons to make the switch, including, a better overall driving experience. Other advantages of using LED headlights include the fact that they are now more affordable than ever for consumers, LED headlights offer more efficient lighting, do not require bulbs to be replaced, they last longer, and are less expensive to use.

Taking steps for the safety of yourself and your passengers begins with planning ahead to foresee any obvious issues that might cause an auto accident. Taking a defensive driving course at an online traffic school is a great way to learn more about the rules of the road and what you can do to be a better driver and avoid accidents. Sign up today for an online defensive driving class to avoid accidents and keep your insurance rates low.

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An important part of driving safely is making sure your car is always in tip-top shape. One major pointer for driver safety is to make sure the brakes of your car function properly. When you hear that tell-tale squeak when you hit the pedal, you know it’s time to consider fixing brakes on your ride.

Why Do Brakes Squeak?

Brake squeaking is a common warning sign that you might want to consider fixing brakes on your vehicle. This annoying and potentially dangerous squeaking can be caused by a variety of conditions including:

• Worn brake pads
• Glazed brake pads and rotors
• Damaged anti-rattle clips or shims
• No pad insulation
• Faulty or no rotor surface cut

Fixing Brakes That Squeak

Fixing brakes that squeak can be an easy fix in most cases. Here are a few ways to end the squeaking and ensure your vehicle is driving safely:

• Change the Pads – Changing the pads to ones made from a different type of friction material such as ceramic or metallic pads can stop the noise.
• Spray the Pads – A quick spray of a simple aerosol, which is sold at most auto parts stores, can reduce squeaking by spraying it on the brake pad’s friction material.
• Add a Shim – Adding some Teflon shims to decouple the piston from the pad can stop squeaking brakes. Be sure to place the shim between the brake pad and the caliper’s hydraulic piston to be effective.
• Make Some Adjustments – Coating the back of the brake pad’s backing plates with brake grease will give a quick but temporary fix, as it will wash away eventually due to rain and road dirt.

Driver Safety and Defensive Driving at Traffic School

If driving safely is a priority for you, consider a driver safety class at an accredited online traffic school. Take advantage of our free express registration and get going in less than one minute. Get started with your defensive driving course today!

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Drivers need to know how to handle many situation before they lead to trouble – from driving on ice to handling their vehicle correctly during a slid. Even the most mundane issue can cause dangerous conditions. A car with foggy windows may not seem very serious, but it can easily cause a life threatening accident.

No matter what type of climate you live in, you will have to worry about foggy windows. In warm climates or cold climates, foggy windows can make it difficult to see and dangerous to drive. Learning how to deal with this problem will make you a safer driver.

What causes condensation on windows, and why do they become foggy?

Foggy windows are the result of two factors: temperature and the air’s moisture content. When it is cold outside and you turn on your heater, you are creating an environment encouraging foggy windows. Any warm moisture from inside the car which comes in contact with the cold glass, will cause condensation and fog your windows. If the outside air is hot, and you turn on the AC, you have the opposite situation. The hot outside air meets your cooler windows resulting in fog.

The causes are different, but the result is the same – blurry windows and hazardous driving. The next time you have foggy windows, try the following methods of clearing your windows.

How do I clear foggy windows when it’s cold outside?

The best way to prevent fog from forming on your windows is to use a product specially designed to help eliminate the problem Car dealerships and hardware stores often sell these defoggers and the staff can help you choose the right one for your car. Simply apply these solutions to your interior windows before there are any problems, and you won’t have to worry about blurry windows this winter.

If you did not plan ahead, there are some quick fixes to this problem.

• Turn off your heat. Since it is your heater which is causing the problem, simply turn it off. This will help to equalize the temperature inside and outside of your car. You may even want to roll down your window a few inches defog your windows quicker.
• Turn off your car’s recirculating air feature.Some cars’ ventilation systems have the ability to recirculate air from inside the car. This will make foggy windows worse. By turning off the recirculating feature, your car will pull in the drier outside air which helps to eliminate the moisture level inside your vehicle and reduces condensation.
• Turn on your front defrost vent and rear-window defroster. This can help, especially if you turn on the A/C to low. You may feel cold, but being cold is much better than not being able to see where you are going.

How do I clear foggy windows when it’s hot outside?

Unlike foggy windows caused by cold weather, hot weather fog forms on the outside of the car’s windows. There are some simple fixes to this problem.

• Turn on your windshield wipers. Simply by turning on your front a rear-window wipers, you can wipe away the condensation and see much clearer. While this tip helps you to see out the front and rear windows, it does not eliminate the problem from side windows.
• Lower your A/C, or turn it off completely. Increasing the temperature in your car balances the temperature difference between the inside of your car and the outside air temperature. This will stop condensation from forming. You are usually able to prevent condensation without turning off your A/C completely.
• Keep your recirculating air feature off. Again, turning off your air recirculation will help correct the problem.

Whether your foggy windows are due to hot or cold weather, fixing the problem will make you a safer driver. Being safe while being on the road is the responsibility of every driver.

Poor visibility from foggy windows is just one of the many weather-related issues drivers need to know how to handle. Becoming educated in safer all-weather driving can make you more confident when you are behind the wheel. It is a good idea for all drivers to learn how to be safer in bad weather. Taking a traffic school course focusing on driving in adverse conditions is a wonderful step in becoming a better driver.

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01111001 01100001 01111001! In case you can’t read binary, that’s computer talk for “yay!” The reason why we’re excited about today is because it’s Autonomous Vehicle Day. The one day every year where we celebrate our computer overlords – uhm – drivers. With the rising publicity and manufacturing of autonomous cars, this year was a great stride forward for the industry. The popularity of self-driving vehicles is at an all-time high, thanks to their consumer accessibility.

When there’s a holiday, there’s a celebration. You might not be familiar with the traditions behind Autonomous Vehicle Day, so we’re showing you the best ways to celebrate our robot chauffeurs. Here are the best ways to show your autonomous pride.

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The subtle art of being ridiculously lazy is challenging for some people. Not for you, because you have dedicated your life to being comatose. You’re not one of those normal functioning people. That’s why you can’t be bothered to perform mundane tasks. But, there’s just some responsibilities you can’t escape – like pumping your own gas.

Why can’t you live in a state where people do work for you? How can you be lazy, if you don’t have the cornerstone of all laziness? Why do YOU have to pump YOUR gas? These are questions that any logical – and lethargic – person would ask themselves. That’s why we’ve compiled the most extensive list of states and cities that will pump your gas for you. These are the last remaining U.S. locations that understand your mission to be carelessly lackadaisical.

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It is only a matter of time. No matter how well you take care of your vehicle, you will need to get a repair or maintenance done on it at some point or another. It is one of the only things you can really rely on when it comes to your vehicle. However, you also need to have a reliable auto shop that you can go to when you need it. You do not want to go just anywhere and not know if they will really take care of you and your vehicle. When you need somewhere to go in Houston, Texas, make sure you go to one of these top auto shops.

Knowing where to go when you need a repair is an important thing, but you also want to be able to avoid any unnecessary repairs, if possible. This means you need to practice defensive driving in Houston. Being safe while on the roads can help you avoid accidents and repairs as a result. To help with driving defensively, be sure to take our online driving safety course.

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Before you take your car to just any TN auto shop, go online and read Google, Yelp, and YP reviews, get referrals and find out all the facts about a service center. Doing so can save you time, money, and put you in the hands of the right mechanic. If you can find a reputable local mechanic, that’s the best way to go. You’ll find that they are honest, personable, hard-working, and willing to go the extra mile so that you are 100% satisfied.

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When you’re looking for a convenient way to buy a car without having to deal with pushy car salesmen or dealerships, turning to San Jose or SF Craigslist is a good option. Going through these online classifieds is also a fantastic way to get scammed when buying a car. Also, if you recently received a traffic ticket in California, a fantastic way to stop the points from going on your record is to take a CA online traffic school. The following tips are all that’s needed to end up falling for a scam when you search for Craigslist cars.

If you need to improve your driving record before getting that new car, attending an online traffic school can help. Contact us for more information on our CA traffic school before starting your Craigslist car search.

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