GARNER, N.C. (WNCN) — After over a thousand days without snow, central North Carolina residents might be a little rusty when it comes to driving in it.
Thomas Hunter, the director of instructor operations at Jordan Driving School in Garner, has some reminders. He said his best advice is not to take anything for granted.
"Being cautious and not speeding," Hunter said. "Be aware of what's going on around you."
Hunter also advised drivers to prepare before getting on the road by checking the weather and road conditions. It is also important to check tires because properly inflated tires will provide better traction on slippery roads.
"Always remember, if you can't walk on it, you have to be extremely careful because you can't drive on it either," he said. "You have less control of what you're trying to do."
Hunter's basic rules for driving in winter weather are slow down and have enough distance. He said this is especially important on familiar routes, like driving to work or school.
"We have a tendency to be a lot careless doing the areas that we drive commonly all the time," Hunter said.
Many newer cars have extra safety features that can help, but Hunter said drivers cannot rely on them for everything. He also warned against letting those features making drivers complacent.
"You still got to be there to assist. You can't just let it go,” he said. “Do we truly check those blind spots? You know, we have to make sure that we do that, don't get caught in this ‘Oops.’”
Hunter also said get rid of distractions, such as radios and music, and be aware of car features that should not be used in inclement weather, such as cruise control.
The safest thing to do is to stay off the roads entirely, which is what the North Carolina Department of Transportation is asking drivers to do over the weekend.
