Parking space at the Kearsley High School is about to get a little tight.

Why? Sophomores are on the road.

With Segment 2 of driver education ended, many sophomores will be getting their licenses soon.

Sophomores are eager to finally get out and start driving. But it is important that newly licensed drivers do not try to show off their new skills on dangerous roads.

Remember caution is key and there are many tips from AAA for drivers to consider during winters.

• Always have the gas tank at least half full so you do not run out in cold weather
• Avoid using your parking brake in cold, rainy, and snowy conditions.
• Do not use cruise control when driving on slippery surfaces.
• Watch the weather reports prior to going out. It takes longer to reach your destination when driving on winter roads in harsh conditions.
• Accelerate and decelerate slowly. Doing so avoids skids. Remember that it takes longer to slow down on icy roads.
• Know your brakes. Knowing whether you have anti-lock brakes or not is key.
• Do not stop if you can avoid it. Sudden stopping causes sliding, and the last thing you want is to be in the middle of an intersection.
• Do not shoot up hills or take a quick turns. Applying extra gas to the snow-covered roads causes your wheels to spin. Start slow and gradually increase speed.
• Last, but not least, stay home in poor driving conditions. If you really do not have to go out, don’t. Even if you feel you can drive well in the snow, remember not everyone else can.

Sophomore Kennedy Lints just graduated from Segment 2, and she is itching to get on the road. But she knows to exercise caution when driving in the winter.

“My birthday is in January, so it does scare me with winter coming up. But I know my limits,” Lints said. “I definitely won’t be on the roads in the harsh winter conditions.”

Winter is not the only thing new drivers need to worry about. New drivers have the tendency to push limits.

Mr. Andy Nester, driver education teacher, is pleased with his students’ driving performance.

“I think we have a solid program here at Kearsley,” Nester said. “I am confident that kids have the proper skills to drive safely.”

With winter being upon us, Nester is worried about all the drivers who will be receiving their licenses soon.

“Every year winter birthdays are difficult. It’s a problem every year,” Nester said. “I can show videos, share personal experiences, but the best answer to the question is to reduce your speed by two-thirds until you feel the car stop.”