The season of winter changes a lot of things that we are used to. It starts to get brighter and darker earlier than normal. Temperatures drop to low levels and instead of the usual rain, ice or snow happens. So, with this in mind certain changes need to be made like dressing warmer and grabbing a hot mocha instead of a frappe, but the most important change that people need to make is how they drive.

“The main cause of accidents is driving too fast for road conditions, and nto to mention inattentive drivers,” Kevin Jurergens, driver education teacher, said.

Inattentive driving could mean texting while driving, which is illegal under the age of 22, messing around with the radio and talking on the phone.

It’s important to drive slower than the norm when the roads become in a hazardous state due to sleet, ice, snow or even something as simple as rain to avoid hydroplaning and to give yourself enough room to come to a complete stop as safely as possible, Jurergens said.

“The right thing to do is to double your usual distance,” Jurergens said. “Drivers get a false sense of security when they drive 4-wheel drive, all-wheel drive and front-wheel drive vehicles. They feel like they get better car control which might be true, but they are still capable of having an accident.”

Anyone can be a careful driver by always being on the defense.

“Being a defensive driver means you drive expecting other people to make mistakes and if you expect it then you will start being more observant and thus a better driver,” Jurergens said.

So as you’re driving to school in the upcoming weeks, remembr to take it easy. Buckle up, check your mirrors, hide your cell phone to rid temptation and take it nice and slow. Everyone should arrive alive.