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.

Virginia has an old, rich history compared to many of the newer states. As one of the regions first founded by the British and first states to offer defensive driving for ticket dismissal, it’s an extremely important part of the country. Here are some interesting Virginia state facts, from the historic ages and into the modern era.

1. Virginia Colony Facts

Virginia’s Jamestown was the first of the original 13 colonies and was set up for cultivating silk. However, after silk failed as a cash crop, it was replaced by tobacco. Tobacco remains a primary cash crop of Virginia today — and one of the major contributors to the economy.

2. The Origins of Thanksgiving

Many people don’t realize that Thanksgiving is a part of Virginia history; the first Thanksgiving in North America was celebrated in Virginia in 1619. This is two years before the Plymouth Thanksgiving, which is generally known as the “first Thanksgiving.”

3. Virginia Controls the Internet

Up to 70 percent of all internet traffic is said to move through Virginia. It’s consequently considered to be the “Internet Capital” of the world as well as the East Coast Silicon Valley.

4. Shires Once Dominated

Though it may sound like something from a fantasy realm, the Virginia state map was once broken into shires — in fact, it’s the only state to have broken itself up in that way. This tradition originated from England, but later the shires were broken into (far less whimsical) counties.

5. Virginians Love Vanity Plates

Once they get out of traffic school, Virginia citizens buy vanity plates. Coming in at 16%, Virginia has the largest percentage of vanity plate vehicles on the road. It’s said that one in ten vanity plates are located in Virginia.

6. Civil War History

Museums in Virginia account for a lot of Virginia tourism, and it’s no wonder: Virginia was the site of more civil war battles than any other state. A total of 120 major battles were fought in Virginia during the Civil War, and tourists can still see some of the most popular battle fields.

7. 6.5 Million Bottles Sold

In addition to the cash crop of tobacco, Virginia also produces a lot of wine. 6.5 million bottles of wine are sold in Virginia annually, with several romantic vineyards now dotting the state.

8. In Living History

The world’s largest living history museum — Colonial Williamsburg — is situated within Virginia. If you want to see some examples of old time living, this is where you go. Authentic set pieces abound, including restored businesses, homes, and political buildings, and actors are available to educate and entertain.

9. Tough on (Traffic) Crime

Virginia has more traffic lawyers per capita than any other state — and by a significant margin. A commonly known state fact is that Virginia has some of the most stringent traffic laws within the entire country, so drivers should beware when they cross into state lines.

10. Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach is the longest recreational beach in the entire world; it boasts 35 miles of coast. In fact, it currently holds a Guinness World Record for that very fact.

11. The Dogwood

Virginia doesn’t have a state flower. Rather, it has a state tree that doubles as the state flower: the dogwood tree. It’s the only state to combine both.
Virginia has such an incredible and lengthy history that these are only some of the most interesting facts. Both tourists and residents in Virginia can learn a lot about the state through the plentiful network of museums and schools.

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July 15th to 17th, 2011 marked the days where the cars stood still. The doomsday that prophets foretold didn’t come in the form of the world ending, but the ending to clustered commuting in Los Angeles. This prolific day would go down in California history and be discussed in California Drivers Ed courses for ages.

This day would be known as Carmageddon.

Apocalyptic analogies aside, Carmageddon was the result of a massive road reconstruction project on the 405 freeway in Los Angeles. The intense need to widen the popular highway reached a breaking point. Commuters could expect to spend anywhere from 1 to 2 hours in gridlocked traffic during peak rush hours. This resulted in meltdowns, outrages, and despair for all who used this road.

That’s when the idea of a massive infrastructure improvement was created.

What the People Paid For

The plan was simple. The city would close the 405 freeway for the weekend and perform massive reconstruction. The highway project would add an additional lane for 10-miles in hopes of clearing up the congestion. The added lane would allow the highway to hold more traffic and, theoretically, allow it to flow smoother.

On any given weekend, the 405 could carry upwards to 500,000 vehicles. Maintaining the well-being of the 4-lanes was a massive undertaking and required a massive budget to do so. In the end, the price tag for this project was estimated to reach $1 billion.

The city didn’t have this money laying around.

The budget was financed by the taxpayers’ dollars. The city of Los Angeles was able to fund the project and close the entire highway for the 10-mile stretch for the weekend. This decision is what started the doomsday-like traffic congestion that plagued the surrounding roads, big and small, for miles.

Not only did the taxpayers have to front the bill for a weekend of clogged roads, but they had to finance the additional services that came from this construction project. Crime and health accidents don’t stop for road construction. The cost of police patrol, paramedics, and other car-based city services spiked from the infrastructure project.

The project sparked a bit of controversy, aside from the impending sense of doom from traffic.

Most roads in Los Angeles are in poor condition. Potholes, cracks, and weathered conditions make driving in the city a nightmare for cars. Any moment, you could blow a tire from hitting a chunk of cement protruding from the under kept road. Taxpayers are still paying the bill for Carmageddon, yet everyone is still feeling the wrath of the poor city infrastructure. After spending $1 billion on one lane of highway, the city still finds itself struggling with its infrastructure.

The Obvious Downfalls and the Hidden Benefits

The doomsday wasn’t all bad, however. There wasn’t much of an immediate positive return from adding one extra lane of traffic to the 405, but the city did stumble upon something interesting. The city, for a weekend, felt a little different.

The beaches were emptier, the air was cleaner, and more people than ever chose to stay home. For once, Los Angeles lost its high intensity flair rush and, instead, took a deep breath. Air and light pollution levels in the city reached a record low for that year. For one weekend in Los Angeles, people got to experience what life would be like if there weren’t tens of thousands of people commuting down the 405.

Sure, Carmageddon had cost the city $1 billion, but, in the end, it might have learned an important value of just breathing.

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Congratulations on passing your Driver’s Ed California class! Listening to lectures and reading about the rules of the road is no easy feat. Now, you’re just another step closer to unlocking the absolute freedom you get from driving on the open roads.

But, now that you have your driver’s license… what do you do?

You have all these options, but no road map to the next step. There’re tons of ways you can celebrate your newfound freedom – one of them is visiting the top teen destinations in California. That’s why we’ve compiled the best list of destinations for teenagers.

Universal Studios Hollywood

Universal Studios Hollywood is a film and studio theme park located in the heart of Los Angeles, California. You can engage with your favorite films, television shows, and other entertainment in the form of rollercoasters, thrill rides, and tours. You’ll also be able to engage various social activities within the plethora of restaurants and pit stops the park offers.

Yosemite National Park

If you’re looking for something a little lower key, then check out Yosemite National Park. It’s one of the most popular camping, hiking, and sightseeing locations in California. You’ll be able to experience the best of Northwest California nature. If you can get past the visitor’s waitlist, you’ll get to create magnificent memories within the serene beauty of the campgrounds.

San Diego Zoo

San Diego is home to clean beaches, nightlife, and the famous San Diego Zoo. For the perfect road trip journey, consider checking out the San Diego Zoo and the greater city. It’s teaming with fun activities that everyone will be able to enjoy. When you get tired of seeing exotic animals – some of which you won’t be able to see anywhere else in the country – then you can soak up some sun on the beach. Nothing like coming back from summer vacation with a San Diego tan.

Huntington State Beach

Speaking of beaches, the Huntington State Beach is one of the best beaches to visit in the entire state. California is known for beaches, so having a great reputation is an achievement. Some of the qualities of this destination includes a clean, secluded beach, perfect waves, and a quaint, nearby town for after-beach grubbing at one of the local restaurants.

Six Flags Magic Mountain

Six Flags: Magic Mountain is an amusement park with high thrill rollercoasters and other, milder, rides. Located in Santa Clarita, California, Six Flags: Magic Mountain is a hotspot for people who are seeking a rush. Just don’t drive home like you’re on a rollercoaster…

Legoland California

Catering more towards a younger audience, Legoland, California will make you relive your earlier years. Despite it’s young target audience, everyone can have fun at Legoland, because… you know, it’s a land made up of Legos. Your fun ends with the limitations of your own imagination.

Living Desert

The Living Desert is a little treasure that most people haven’t heard about. Located in Palm Desert, this destination is an open botanical garden and wildlife sanctuary for animals from North America and Africa. You can see everything from exotic plant life to a giraffe walking in an open field. This is as close as you can get to an African walkabout in California.

Golden Gate Bridge

The Golden Gate Bridge might be considered a cliché destination, but there’s a reason why it’s so popular. It’s a marvel of human ingenuity and the perfect post to make on Instagram. Snapping a picture of the beautiful bridge at night will make all your friends envious of your #GoldenGateBridge photos.

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What isn’t there to love about New York?

As a renowned world traveler, I often think back and embrace my stay in New York. Captivated by the scenic rural side to the flashing lights of the city, there were countless reasons to fall in love. Somewhere between enrolling in an online defensive driving course and my stay in a secluded countryside resort, New York stole my heart. When I was in New York…

The People

The people who roamed the land were exquisite in nature. Known to present a tough and gruff attitude, they were really quite friendly. When you’re visiting the city, you realize the only people who actually live there migrated from other parts of the country. Nobody is actually from New York City.

You’ll also encounter countless people claiming to be a DJ, investment banker, or “model slash actor.” Truly riveting. Outside of the city, you’ll find people are more attuned with the slower life accustomed to living in mid-sized cities and towns. Apparently, everyone knew someone who owned a boat, too. The people were magnificent.

The Transportation

The transportation was always a marvel of modern human engineering. Believed to be the best in the world, New York has a burly infrastructure of highways, country roads, subways, trains, and ride sharing opportunities to get you from one location to the next as quickly as humanly possible. My most beloved memory of the public transportation system was riding the subway and guessing which person would snap into lunatic rant.

It was a guessing game I’d like to play to help pass the time between boroughs in the city.

When you travel up north, you are taken on roads around beautiful landscapes, such as lakes, forests, mountains, plains, farmland, and even waterfalls. Taking I-89 will take you north, allowing you to take your time exploring the countryside.

The Nature

Speaking of the countryside, the nature and landscapes were divine to say the least. Perusing through the rural parts of the state made me wish that I was the state animal (the beaver) for it would spend all it’s time next to the serene lakes, rivers, and other waterfronts. Alas, as a renowned world traveler, you must explore the world, not one, single place.

Bear Mountain State Park was one example of the beauty you would find on New York’s land. Located on the side of the Hudson River, you would lose yourself in the forest hiking trails that would wind through the mountains. Alternatively, you could partake in a good game of river fishing off the Hudson.

The Food

The food was arguably, the most fantastic part of the entire experience. You could have anything you wanted at a moment’s notice. You could stop by the Chinese restaurant tucked between bodegas in Brooklyn, or you could stop by your favorite brewery after a long day’s hike.

The possibilities were truly endless. You could even find yourself engaging in fusion cuisines. Every small town in the state, at one point had a “Taste of [insert town name]” festival. You could try the finest cuisines of that town, but a higher-than-normal price.

The Cities and Culture

The cities and culture were unique, in that, I’ve never seen anything like it. In the city, you would find a melting pot of background, hobbies, entertainment, and what people felt passionate about. Outside of the city, you would be an outcast if you couldn’t choose an alliance between Giants or the Jets.

Everything revolved around the sportsmanship of your local town or city. The passion that was built around sports formed groups and established a community and culture. The only mascot I chose to root for were the Beavers. As in, the New York state animal.

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You may have thought the vacation started the moment you step foot into your hotel. But, you couldn’t be more wrong. The hotel starts the moment you put the key in the ignition. Sight-seeing and taking in the natural surroundings are the best ways to experience a vacation in serene state of New York. away from your favorite traffic school online.

Hotels don’t hold all the fancy virtue. It’s the luscious forests, windy roads, and tranquil lakes that will captivate you. If there’s one thing you learn in traffic school online, it’s that the best part of any trip is the journey. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the best routes to New York hotels. It’s

Mirror Lake Inn Resort & Spa

Mirror Lake Inn Resort & Spa is based off the shore of Lake Placid in New York. Despite the comfortable lodging overlooking a peaceful lake, the best part hasn’t even been mentioned. Of course, it’s the drive to this resort & spa tucked away in the trees.

The Mirror Lake Inn is located on the outskirts of a small village south of McKenzie Mountain Wilderness. In other words, you’ll have to take a winding interstate 86 through the rural side of New York to reach this hotel destination.

The Whiteface Lodge

During the winter, you’ll get to experience a similar drive through the forests and national parks of New York, when you visit the Whiteface Lodge. They call it Whiteface Lodge as a reminder to visit it when there’s snow on the ground.

Sure, you can experience the ski slopes, warm cabins, and secluded nature that surrounds the area. But, you’ll also have the fantastic opportunity of taking a drive through a winter wonderland. The Whiteface Lodge is a perfect getaway destination when the city life become too much. The drive will also help you decompress as you get lost in the beauty – hopefully not in the literal sense.

The Lodges at Cresthaven

Tucked just off of highway 87 in the northern section of New York, you’ll find a retreat that’s also a great treat. The Lodges at Cresthaven overlook Lake George. There, you can go on boating adventures and partake in fishing. But, that’s not the best part.

The opposite of boating is driving, and, as we know, driving is the best part of any vacation stay. To get the lodges, you’ll have to drive off the main highway to take a few secluded roads around Lake George. You’ll get to lay your eyes on plenty of boats, lodges, and the surrounding mountains.

Mohonk Mountain Resort

Speaking of mountains, the Mohonk Mountain Resort is cliffside getaway with a view. This translates to you taking the beaten roads through rocky hills, burly mountains, and thick forests. Well, just according to New York standards.

Getting to the Mohonk Mountains is enough pleasant adventure to keep you feeling engaged with the drive. When you arrive, you’ll get to stay in a resort hotel off the lake. The drive, combined with the destination, creates a perfect vacation trip for you and the family.

Villa Vosilla Resort

After climbing upwards to a breathtaking elevation, you’ll have the opportunity to stay in one of the most regal resorts in New York. At least, you’d think it was based off the name.

The Villa Vosilla is located in the Catskills Park region. If you aren’t swept away by the regions hills and peaks, you will by the gardens and plains. This drive, secluded from the busier sections of the state, is scenic in every sense of the word. Not to mention, you’ll get a whiff of that clean mountain air.

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If everyone decided to enroll in traffic school, we might see a lot less traffic on the roads. But, alas, that day may never come. In the meantime, we can all take pleasure in convincing our friends, coworkers and family members that our traffic tales are the tallest. Everyone has a unique traffic story, and, today we’re compiling a list of the most compelling stories that happen while gridlocked. Here are our top 5 traffic stories.

Baby Birth on Board

In 2013, Atlanta, Georgia experienced a horrific snow storm that brought all cars on its major highway to a halt. People were livid at the sight of mother nature’s white fury covering the roads. They had places to be and people to visit. One couple in particular had somewhere to be – and it was the hospital.

The couple was pregnant with a child and they were on their way to the hospital to give birth. The traffic created a road block for them, but not the baby. “Alice” was there to witness the couple give birth to a baby, with the help of others, in a snowstorm… in traffic. Afterwards, there was a soiree at the nearby Taco Bell to party.

Highway Horsepower

It was just another day for “Bill and Diane.” They were commuting to work in Houston, Texas, the sky was clear, and there was an unusual amount of traffic on the road. In the corners of their eyes, something caught their attention.

As they turned around, they saw a long line of horses walking through the gridlock traffic being manned by their riders. The rodeo was in town, and the horse riders were caravanning to town via horseback. It was a great time for rodeo fans, but a bad time for the 9 to 5’ers.

Changing Perspective

Writer “Antonio” was sitting in traffic one day – as he did every day. Relatable, we know. To the right of his car, a person began honking sporadically. “Antonio” noticed their car was rear ending the vehicle in front of them.

“Antonio” rolled down his window to give the reckless driver a piece of his mind, but, before he could say anything, the driver snapped back at him. They weren’t rear ending the car in front of them, because the car in front of them was backing into them. Just then, “Antonio’s” perspective of the road completely changed.

Needle Through the Thread of Traffic

Seattle is known for its coffee and rain. However, what people often forget is the amount of traffic located in the seaport city. “Will Sanders” was retired and vacationed to the city once a year. From his hotel room, he could see the famous Space Needle in the distance. Then, as every curious tourist decides to do, he got in his car to check out the tower.

What was hoped to be a curious trip through the city turned out to be a horrific experience in stand-still traffic. It took Sanders two and a half hours to finally give up on his journey and head back to his hotel room. After parking, he walked to the Space Needle… in 10 minutes.

Typhoon Season

A lot can happen in 12 hours. For 14-year old Patricia Lontoc, it was getting to know her mom and dad a little bit more while they were in standstill traffic. The reason for the traffic jam was because a typhoon was striking their area.

Where Lontoc is from, Typhoons are a natural part of the season. However, what wasn’t a natural part of the season, was the irreplaceable experience she gained from getting to know her family a bit closer.

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In today’s fast-paced, technology-driven world, travel is frequently made easier with the use of travel apps. While these apps vary greatly in usefulness, here are some reviews based on personal experience with some of the best.

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Florida is home to beaches, breathtaking sunsets, and… you? If you’ve ever wanted to live in a state with amazing national and state parks, vacation destinations, and Disneyworld, then consider living in the Sunshine State. Below, we’ve created an extensive guide on the best places to live in Florida.

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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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