This is a copy of the course outline used for our special winter driving sessions.
This program is designed for snowy roads or roads that have snow and very little patchy ice. This program is not for an ice covered road, because it would not be safe. When the road conditions are questionable, always call the office.

Pick up the student

You drive the student to the nearest empty parking lot. Provide a 'running commentary' on your driving on the way to the parking lot so you both arrive alive.

At The Parking Lot

Teach the following before letting the student get behind the wheel:

  1. Basic Vehicle Controls
  2. ABS System
  3. ETS System If Applicable
  4. Proper Acceleration
  5. Proper Braking
  6. Proper Steering

Have the student get behind the wheel and practice the following at the small lot:

  1. Acceleration
  2. Braking
  3. Using ABS or Non-ABS
  4. Use ETS system if applicable
  5. Steering under 10 MPH

Before the student drives on the roadway to another nearby large parking lot, explain what must be done for safe winter driving.

  1. Brake earlier
  2. Accelerate easier (still accelerate to balance weight of the vehicle on turns and curves)
  3. Take turns more slowly - laws of physics
  4. Be careful about driving in other vehicles tracks. The friction from their tires could melt the snow and create water. When water melts on the frozen ground, ice is made, giving you 5% traction (basically none). Be reasonable about this, stay on the road.
  5. Keep a following distance of 6 seconds or more.
  6. Always expect the unexpected to happen, so be prepared
  7. Review basic visual skills (Smith System)
  8. No quick changes in direction or maneuvers, this will cause the vehicle to skid.
  9. Slow down - basic speed law

Proceed to a large empty lot (let the student drive)

On arrival teach all types of skids:

  • Accelerating skids (this may not be applicable if ETS can not be turned off.)
  • Braking skids
  • Front end skids
  • Rear end skids

Teach how to get out of the skids

Most importantly teach how to avoid skids and don't panic if they get into one.

Teach how to make an emergency stop by downshifting or neutral (what's behind them?)

Explain to the student that if this or any other skid recovery is needed to avoid a collision, they need to re-evaluate their driving. They are probably doing something wrong such as not using the Smith System properly, or not obeying the basic speed law.

Explain the importance of vehicle maintenance--read the owners manual.

The following must be checked while driving on the H.T.S. for their safety and the safety of others.

  1. Tire pressure, the use of chains, studded tires, why tires with the most traction should be in the front (because you steer with the front).
  2. De-icer washer fluid and de-icer lock fluid
  3. Using fresh anti-freeze and follow the directions for the mixture of water on the bottle
  4. Keeping headlights and taillights clean and free from salt which causes dirt buildup
  5. Keep the heater and defroster in excellent working order.
  6. Keep the fuel tank half full or more to prevent fuel-line freeze up and for added rear-end traction.
  7. Weight in the trunk (sand bags or salt) for increased traction
  8. Winter windshield wipers
  9. Good ice scraper
  10. "Snap together" snow shovel to dig out the tires, and explain why not to spin the tires if you get stuck
  11. First aid kit
  12. Cell phone
  13. Emergency food supply
  14. Trash bags to retain body heat if stranded (don't put over your head, you'll suffocate)
  15. Blankets
  16. Candles with matches—one burning candle will keep you from freezing to death. Don't fall asleep or the car will catch fire, and then you'll have plenty of heat!
  17. Spare winter wipers
  18. Jumper cables (read the owners manual for proper hook up instructions)
  19. Good book

If you have canned goods as emergency food, make sure you also have a can opener. Make sure food may be eaten from the can without heating required.

This list should be in addition to what they should already have.
Explain what levels 1,2, and 3 snow emergencies are.
Snow Emergencies

LEVEL 1—Roads are slick, use caution

LEVEL 2—Stay off roads, if possible call off work, cancel appointments

LEVEL 3—Emergencies/Emergency vehicles on the road only. If you are caught on the roadway you will be arrested.



Ask the student for questions

Let the student drive home, upon arrival, talk with the parent if applicable. A satisfied

student will spread the word about winter driving lessons at our driving school.



Notes:

ABS—Antilock Brake System

ETS—Enhanced Traction Control System

HTS—Highway Transportation System

This lesson is for students that has had 8 hours minimum lessons with us, or an adult who has had at least 1 lesson with us on dry roads. Must have instructor approval!
Remember that what you have learned is not yet a skill; so don't practice on your own. you could kill yourself or others. If you want more practice, call D&D for a professional instructor.