As a long-time driver in Toronto, I’ve braved many snowy roads and icy conditions, but winter driving always brings a unique set of challenges. I still vividly remember my first snow squall. I was driving home from Barrie, and suddenly, visibility dropped to zero. The snow whipped around me, the wind howled, and I felt a wave of panic. It was a white-knuckle drive, crawling along the highway with no idea what lay ahead. Experiences like that stay with you, and they teach you the value of preparation and skill when it comes to driving in winter.
This year, I decided to brush up on my winter driving skills with some expert advice. I met up with Shannie, a seasoned driving instructor from Driving Theory Driving School, who took me for a drive and shared invaluable tips to help me—and all of us—stay safe on the road.
Meeting Shannie: The Winter Prep Talk
When I arrived at our meeting spot, Shannie greeted me with a friendly smile and a wealth of knowledge. Before we even got in the car, he shared some essentials about preparing for winter driving.
“First things first,” he said, pointing to the tires on his car. “You need winter tires. All-season tires can work if the treads are deep enough, but nothing beats winter tires for traction on snow and ice.”
He opened the trunk of his car and showed me his stash of emergency supplies. “Jumper cables, a shovel, extra clothes, a blanket, snacks, and water—these are non-negotiables,” he said. “And don’t forget a power bank for your phone. You never know when you’ll need it.”
I sheepishly admitted that my car lacked most of these items. Shannie chuckled, “No worries, Anjo. You’ve got time to get them. Just don’t wait until you’re stuck in the snow to realize what you’re missing!”
Hitting the Road: Tips in Action
As we hit the road, Shannie walked me through the basics of defensive winter driving: visibility, spacing, and communication.
Visibility: “Always clear the snow off your car before you start driving,” Shannie said. “That includes your windows, mirrors, and even your license plate. It’s not just about seeing—it’s about being seen.”
Spacing: He emphasized the importance of leaving extra space between vehicles. “In normal conditions, a two- to three-second gap is fine. But in winter, aim for five to six seconds. It gives you more time to stop if the road is slippery.”
Communication: “Use your signals early and make your intentions clear,” he explained. “And if visibility drops, like in a snow squall, turn on your hazard lights and slow down. Let other drivers know what’s happening.”
Handling Slippery Situations
As we drove, Shannie simulated some tricky winter scenarios. In an empty parking lot covered with snow, he had me practice steering out of a skid.
“Don’t panic,” he said firmly. “Look where you want to go and steer gently in that direction. Sudden movements can make things worse.”
I followed his advice, and sure enough, the car responded smoothly. It felt empowering to know how to regain control in a slippery situation.
Overconfidence: A Common Mistake
Shannie pointed out one of the biggest mistakes he sees during winter: overconfidence. “People with four-wheel drive think they’re invincible,” he said. “But four-wheel drive doesn’t help you stop faster on ice. It just helps you get moving.”
His words were a reminder that no matter how equipped your vehicle is, caution and preparation are the best tools for winter driving.
The Final Lesson: Staying Prepared
As our drive came to an end, Shannie left me with one last piece of advice: always plan for the unexpected.
“Winter conditions can change fast,” he said. “Check the weather before you leave, avoid hills and bridges if you can, and always carry what you need in case you get stuck. It’s better to be over-prepared than under-prepared.”
A New Perspective on Winter Driving
Thanks to Shannie, I left with a renewed sense of confidence and a checklist of things to add to my car. Winter driving isn’t just about handling your vehicle—it’s about being ready for anything.
So, the next time you hit the road during a Toronto snowfall, remember these lessons. Clear your car, pack your emergency kit, and give yourself plenty of space to react. Winter driving may be challenging, but with the right preparation and mindset, you can stay safe and enjoy the season—white-knuckle-free.
If you’re looking to brush up on your driving skills or prepare for winter, check out Driving Theory Driving School. Visit their website at DrivingTheory.com to learn more. Stay safe, and see you on the road!
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Winter Driving Adventures: Lessons from Shannie
As a long-time driver in Toronto, I’ve braved many snowy roads and icy conditions, but winter driving always brings a unique set of challenges. I still vividly remember my first snow squall. I was driving home from Barrie, and suddenly, visibility dropped to zero. The snow whipped around me, the wind howled, and I felt a wave of panic. It was a white-knuckle drive, crawling along the highway with no idea what lay ahead. Experiences like that stay with you, and they teach you the value of preparation and skill when it comes to driving in winter.
This year, I decided to brush up on my winter driving skills with some expert advice. I met up with Shannie, a seasoned driving instructor from Driving Theory Driving School, who took me for a drive and shared invaluable tips to help me—and all of us—stay safe on the road.
Meeting Shannie: The Winter Prep Talk
When I arrived at our meeting spot, Shannie greeted me with a friendly smile and a wealth of knowledge. Before we even got in the car, he shared some essentials about preparing for winter driving.
“First things first,” he said, pointing to the tires on his car. “You need winter tires. All-season tires can work if the treads are deep enough, but nothing beats winter tires for traction on snow and ice.”
He opened the trunk of his car and showed me his stash of emergency supplies. “Jumper cables, a shovel, extra clothes, a blanket, snacks, and water—these are non-negotiables,” he said. “And don’t forget a power bank for your phone. You never know when you’ll need it.”
I sheepishly admitted that my car lacked most of these items. Shannie chuckled, “No worries, Anjo. You’ve got time to get them. Just don’t wait until you’re stuck in the snow to realize what you’re missing!”
Hitting the Road: Tips in Action
As we hit the road, Shannie walked me through the basics of defensive winter driving: visibility, spacing, and communication.
Handling Slippery Situations
As we drove, Shannie simulated some tricky winter scenarios. In an empty parking lot covered with snow, he had me practice steering out of a skid.
“Don’t panic,” he said firmly. “Look where you want to go and steer gently in that direction. Sudden movements can make things worse.”
I followed his advice, and sure enough, the car responded smoothly. It felt empowering to know how to regain control in a slippery situation.
Overconfidence: A Common Mistake
Shannie pointed out one of the biggest mistakes he sees during winter: overconfidence. “People with four-wheel drive think they’re invincible,” he said. “But four-wheel drive doesn’t help you stop faster on ice. It just helps you get moving.”
His words were a reminder that no matter how equipped your vehicle is, caution and preparation are the best tools for winter driving.
The Final Lesson: Staying Prepared
As our drive came to an end, Shannie left me with one last piece of advice: always plan for the unexpected.
“Winter conditions can change fast,” he said. “Check the weather before you leave, avoid hills and bridges if you can, and always carry what you need in case you get stuck. It’s better to be over-prepared than under-prepared.”
A New Perspective on Winter Driving
Thanks to Shannie, I left with a renewed sense of confidence and a checklist of things to add to my car. Winter driving isn’t just about handling your vehicle—it’s about being ready for anything.
So, the next time you hit the road during a Toronto snowfall, remember these lessons. Clear your car, pack your emergency kit, and give yourself plenty of space to react. Winter driving may be challenging, but with the right preparation and mindset, you can stay safe and enjoy the season—white-knuckle-free.
If you’re looking to brush up on your driving skills or prepare for winter, check out Driving Theory Driving School. Visit their website at DrivingTheory.com to learn more. Stay safe, and see you on the road!
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