As winter arrives in our community, Bulldogs need to stay alert and prepared for dangerous driving conditions that can quickly turn familiar routes into slick, unpredictable challenges. Snow, slush, and ice can turn a simple drive to school or work into a serious risk if students are not ready to adjust their habits and stay focused on safety. Whether you are a brand-new driver or have spent a few winters behind the wheel, learning how to handle harsh weather now can help protect you and everyone around you on the road.
Lakeview has their own esteemed safety program, where students can advocate road safety and persuade others to join them.
Senior Camryn Ross, a second-year member, explains how significant safe driving is, “As a S.M.A.S.H member for two years, I have been taught that road safety is incredibly significant, especially during the winter months in Ohio. Bad conditions can increase the risk of deadly road accidents if drivers aren’t careful enough. If visibility is decreased and roads are wet and icy, slow down and take the time to focus on your driving and your vicinity in comparison to other vehicles because it can save lives including your own.”
Bad weather does not always look the same, but it always demands a change in how you drive. Whether it is raining, snowing, or icy, you will have to adjust in some way, from reducing your speed to taking turns more gently and giving yourself more time to stop.
Senior Maya Figueroa has quite the experience when it comes to driving in harsh conditions. She advises the younger drivers to be extra safe on the roads. “Whether it is raining, snowing, or icy conditions you will have to adjust your driving in some capacity. When driving in bad weather it is crucial that you are extra cautious and drive slowly. Remaining calm and focused is also important in order to make rational decisions regarding driving habits. If needed, plan your route beforehand and allow enough time to make it to your destination safely.”
Preparation before you even start the car is one of the best defenses against winter hazards. It is recommended that you check that your tires have good tread, your brakes respond properly, and your headlights, wipers, and defrosters are all working so you can see and be seen in snow and fog. Many young drivers are also starting to prepare early so they are not caught off guard if they slide off the road or get stuck in a storm.
Sophomore McKenzie O’Rourke is a brand new driver, ready to take on the roads as the winter weather emerges. “I’m making sure my car’s winter-ready by checking my battery, checking my tires, and keeping necessary supplies in the trunk just in case.”
Once students are on the road, small choices can make a big difference in how safely they get to where they are going. Driving at a slower speed, leaving extra space between cars, and avoiding sudden braking or sharp turns help keep the tires from losing grip on slick surfaces like snow and black ice. For young drivers especially, staying off cruise control, keeping both hands on the wheel, and putting phones away can greatly improve reaction time when something unexpected happens in front of them.
In the end, staying safe in harsh winter conditions is more than just knowing the rules; it is about putting them into practice every time you drive. By slowing down, staying calm, planning ahead, and focusing on the road and people around you, drivers can make winter driving safer for themselves, their friends, and their community. No destination is worth risking your life, and arriving a few minutes late is always better than not arriving at all. Stay safe, stay warm, and go Bulldogs!
