In the UK, we’re already experiencing those cold winter mornings. If you’re lucky the sun is shining, and everything looks crisp and fresh because of the layer of frost that’s on the ground. If you’re not so lucky, you start the day when it’s grey, miserable and wet! For those of you that drive to and from work you will be well aware of the additional hazards you face at this time of year.
Not only do you have to deal with ice patches on the roads (in some cases black ice which can be very dangerous), you also spend more time driving in the dark than you do at other times of the year. This is why; especially if you’re a young driver winter is the perfect time to take an advanced driving course.
Some Statistics for Young Drivers
If you think you don’t need any help with an advanced driving course, perhaps you should take a look at the statistics below:
- There is just 1 in 8 drivers in the UK that hold a full driving licence who are under the age of 25. However, 1 in 3 of those drivers dies in a car crash!
- During the first year of driving with a full licence, 1 in 5 drivers will be involved in an accident.
- This is in no way meant to be sexist because it is fact. Male drivers under the age of 25 are more likely to be involved in an accident than female drivers.
- Early mornings and late evenings are when most accidents involving just one vehicle are likely to happen.
As you see from the points above, it’s important you make sure you hone your driving skills as best you can.
What Advanced Driving Courses Offer
Possibly one of the most important aspects of a course like this is the fact you will be taught how to deal with driving conditions you don’t generally come across when it’s not winter time. Most (if not all) advanced driving course companies will offer you the opportunity to learn how to cope if your vehicle suddenly starts to skid across the road. This is especially useful when the roads are wet, or you unexpectedly hit a patch of ice.
Other aspects of a course like this can also include the following:
- How to prepare your car for driving in winter.
- Aquaplane awareness, and this is something that’s far more common during winter. It also needs to be dealt with differently than if you were to skid.
- Advanced observations skills you won’t get taught with, say, a pass plus.
- How to recognise when the surface beneath your car changes which can affect the way your tyres grip the road.
These are just a few examples of what an advanced driving course will offer, and winter is one of the few times of the year when you really need to know what you’re doing. Not only will you become a better driver overall, it may well save your life!
For more details you can visit our website.
