QUINCY, Ill. (WGEM) -
If you're having a hard time driving around on icy, snowy roads, imagine what a new driver is going through.
With the potential for schools to dismiss early Tuesday due to wintery weather, reminding your teen driver of tips in advance may increase their ability to get home safely during a storm.
Quincy Drivers Ed Teacher Kris Klingele says driving in winter weather is something that many students in her class don't have experience with.
"The majority of them have never done this before," said Klingele. "It's been a couple years since we've had stuff like this."
Klingele is taking her students out on back roads, teaching them proper driving habits.
"We're on a lot of residential streets, working on some parking, turns, right turns, left turns, and how you modify things according to the snow and the ice and so forth," said Klingele.
Modification is something Klingele says many of her students are struggling with.
"We were talking about that with some of the students earlier today and they say 'well I feel like we're way too far back.' No, because if something happens and you start sliding, you have that space in front of you," explained Klingele.
However, there are some students that do feel comfortable behind the wheel during wintery conditions.
"I pay attention to pedestrians and slick spots on the road and making sure that I stop in time. But, I've been with my parents when they drive in it, and you have to be really careful," said Quincy Sophomore Claire Durst.
Instruction from parents is something Klingele says is very important for young drivers.
"Just experience to get them out in the snow, whether it be snow and ice or just snow, but get the experience. Don't wait until they get their drivers license to do so."
