Worried about driving in winter? – Driving tips for the inexperienced

We have entered the toughest driving season and winter makes many of us anxious at the thought of driving our car. According to statistics, the probability of an accident for inexperienced drivers is many times higher. But even beginners can enjoy driving when their car and tires are in good condition.

“Meteorological conditions vary greatly in winter and the change in snow and ice grip can surprise inexperienced drivers. Visibility is often lower and rain and sleet have a strong impact on driving and braking,” says Mika Kuusi from Nokian Tires.

It is difficult for young drivers to get into traffic. Many of them rarely drive. Short trips between home and shops do not contribute much to the accumulation of driving experience in winter conditions.

“People who drive less often have problems with difficult routes and varying weather conditions. Driving in the city center, traffic jams, parking and driving in the dark are intimidating for new drivers,” explains Kuusi.

Improved car handling

According to the European Commission, drivers between the ages of 16 and 24 are much more likely to be involved in traffic accidents and deaths. The risk of getting into an accident for them is two to three times higher than for experienced drivers. Accidents involving young drivers are often due to loss of control or speeding, and are more likely to occur at night.

The condition of the car and knowledge of its characteristics significantly affect safety. Young drivers often drive older cars that are not equipped with modern security systems. Instead of a second family car, it is better to provide the young driver with the safest car possible.

“Even with new car models, you need to know how they will perform in more extreme situations. For example, returning to your lane after overtaking another car is a typical loss of control scenario in winter conditions,” says Martin Drazik, Nokian Tires Product Manager.

Drazik reminds us that even the automatic safety systems in large SUVs cannot support the weight of the car on a slippery road if the speed is too high.

If you drive infrequently, tires in good condition are the safest choice.

In addition to the fact that inexperienced drivers need to know their car well, they should pay special attention to tires. Drajik recommends that drivers with less experience choose the best and latest model.

“The latest tires always provide the best grip, and the latest innovations will give you the best feeling of safety when driving on slippery roads. New tires are logically in good condition, but it’s still a good idea to check the tread depth regularly to be sure. It is also very important to maintain the correct tire pressure,” Drazik reminds us.

Martin Drazik and Mika Kuusi, who have long and successful careers in the automotive and tire industry, want to encourage timid drivers:

“Especially in winter, you can and should be especially careful when driving on the road. The only way to learn how to drive a car is to drive a car.

Drive boldly! – Tips for inexperienced drivers:

• You can only gain the necessary confidence through experience. Empty parking lots, for example, allow you to test your car in different situations. You can also enroll in a driving school even if you already have a driver’s license.
• You should practice driving regularly on slippery surfaces so that you know how your car will behave if it is in service. Tracks built on icy lakes are most suitable for this purpose. If necessary, you can also visit special training tracks. However, they are often much more slippery and don’t feel like snow or ice in real-world conditions.
• The key element is smooth cornering. Instead of panicking, slamming on the brakes and tensing up by locking your shoulders, you should be looking for the right areas to aim the car at and try to maintain control even if something comes as a surprise.
• Checking tire pressure periodically may seem insignificant, but it can actually be extremely important in extreme conditions. Vehicles with the wrong pressure can be kept sideways on the road during high-speed manoeuvres. How to check tire pressure.

These tips were provided by Nokian Tires tester Mika Kuusi and Nokian Tires product manager Martin Drazik.

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