How Global Warming is Changing the Way Teenagers Learn to Drive

January 23, 2009

As the global warming debate rages on—as we ponder whether planetary disaster is around the bend or whether the current crisis is little more than an expected part of the earth's natural cycle—one thing remains undisputable. With bitter cold and massive amounts of snow hitting many parts of the country over the past few months, winter's fury is still being felt across America, causing problems for even the best drivers who sailed through drivers education with flying colors.

And it's not just Minnesota, Illinois and most of the northeast that continue to be victims of Mother Nature's wrath. In mid December, Las Vegas was hit with the biggest snowstorm since 1979. Over 3.6 inches covered the strip, wreaking havoc on Las Vegas Boulevard as drivers struggled to stay in control their cars.

Surf popular video websites like YouTube and you'll find miles of footage of a snowed-in Las Vegas. While some of the videos are of a serene-looking, snow covered New York New York hotel and casino, most of what you'll find features cars spinning out of control after driving unsafely and ignoring the rules of the road taught in drivers ed.

If there's one lesson to be learned, it's that dangerous winter driving conditions can hit without warning, even in parts of the country that have barely ever seen snow. But that doesn't mean you have to be unprepared.

As the snow falls, the last thing you want to do is go outside and battle the elements. While you can’t escape running crucial errands like grocery shopping or picking up your kids from school, the internet has made it easier for drivers to stay indoors.

Online banking is a favorite tool of Americans who live in the coldest parts of the country. Paying bills, transferring funds and checking your balance is extremely popular, mostly because it doesn't require a parka, snow boots and gloves. It's also an amazing time saver – faster than going to the bank or mailing a letter.

One other online service in cold climates is also gaining incredible popularity. Teenagers and parents of teenagers across America are discovering the benefits of online driving school. Drivers education courses like the one offered by DriversEdOnline.com offer you the in-class portion of drivers education from the comfort of your living room. Now, you don’t have to leave your house in non-friendly road conditions and endanger your life.

Your young driver can stay in and take the class from home while learning how to be a better winter driver, how to stay safe on the road and how to keep others around them equally safe through intuitive tutorials and examinations that help them retain the knowledge.

But not all online drivers ed courses are created equal. Be sure to look for one that's approved by your state. Only recognized driver's education programs can help you reduce the cost of insuring your young driver.

And while an insurance claim is something we all hope your teenage driver will never have to deal with, you never know what could happen – especially in this very cold, very snowy winter wonderland. Enjoy the global warming.