Winter versus Summer Driving Essay Example for Free

Winter versus Summer Driving Essay Winter driving is vastly different from summer driving. A different set of driving skills is required in the winter due to extreme weather conditions. Winter is by far the hardest season for drivers to navigate, while the summer is the easiest. This essay will compare and contrast winter and summer driving to show that winter is the most technically difficult. Winter and summer driving are similar in that both seasons require one to get behind the wheel of a vehicle. The basic driving decisions are always the same no matter what the season. One must always signal appropriately, pay attention to traffic and other drivers around, and generally concentrate on getting from one point to another. Winter and summer driving are very different in the types of weather conditions present. In the summer, there is generally less rain and snow to make the roadway conditions hazardous. With dry pavement, cars and drivers respond quicker to situations, avoiding accident potentials. In the winter, rain and snow make the roads slick and less forgiving in dangerous situations. Even if a driver is attentive, winter conditions may cause a vehicle to spin out of control at the slightest touch of the brakes. Winter drivers must be more cautious of distance between cars in case one needs to stop quickly. Winter drivers may also have to contend with frost and condensation on the windows of cars. Both can decrease visibility and reduce driver awareness. Summer is generally warmer and dryer, reducing the chance of frost and condensation problems. All in all, summer driving is more forgiving than winter driving. Weather conditions in the winter can render roadways very dangerous, requiring increased driver skill. The summer roadways are less wet and icy than winter roads, allowing drivers to avoid potential threats much quicker with less reaction time. Winter driving requires higher reaction times, larger technical skill, and a higher level of vehicle maintenance for optimal driving conditions.