{"id":765,"date":"2019-12-28T02:33:07","date_gmt":"2019-12-28T02:33:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/eyezup.com\/blog\/?p=765"},"modified":"2020-01-23T18:04:05","modified_gmt":"2020-01-23T18:04:05","slug":"slide-offs-playing-it-safe","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/eyezup.com\/blog\/slide-offs-playing-it-safe\/","title":{"rendered":"Slide-Offs: Playing it Safe"},"content":{"rendered":"

Driving on winter roads<\/a> already puts teens and new drivers at a disadvantage, particularly when it\u2019s their first time encountering the differing obstacles winter weather poses. Unfortunately, as parents we can preach safe driving tips until we\u2019re blue in the face but, in many cases, until your teen experiences various obstacles they won\u2019t be able to learn how to correct them. Still, it\u2019s imperative to discuss winter obstacles and how to avoid them before your teen driver sets out on the road.\u00a0 Let’s discuss slide-offs today.<\/p>\n

In many parts of the country, ice and snow are inevitable. While it\u2019s always safest to stay home when severe weather hits, even teens have obligations to get to – work, school or other activities are part of life for us all.<\/p>\n

Your first slide-off is often a trying and momentarily terrifying moment. Some are fortunate enough to never experience this scenario; despite this, it\u2019s imperative to understand how to stay safe if your car goes off the road.<\/p>\n

Stuck: Getting Out Safely<\/h2>\n

If your vehicle becomes stuck in ice or snow, remember that getting out is not your first priority – staying safe is. In some cases, you may be able to shovel around your tires to allow for more traction, but the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration<\/a>, along with other government organizations, warns not to overexert yourself. You can try shoveling, but don\u2019t work your body so hard that you break a sweat as this proves more dangerous in cold weather (wet clothes lose insulation value and the colder weather can quickly drain your strength and energy). Another option is rocking your car gently by going from reverse to drive slowly. This is not a power move: keep your foot on the brake while switching between the two gears and don\u2019t push the gas too hard once in a gear (a light tap on the pedal is all that\u2019s needed). The idea is to rock the car to release ice and snow, not to power out of it.<\/p>\n

Play it Cool: Stay Calm and Collected and Be Prepared<\/h2>\n

If you\u2019re stuck with no way out, don\u2019t panic! The NHTSA and other organizations recommend the following tips to stay safe while your car is off the road:<\/p>\n