Minnesota roads present unique challenges for motorists, even locals with a lot of years behind the wheel. From harsh winter conditions to heavy urban traffic, teens and other newer drivers are more prone to making errors that could increase their risk of a crash.

In this article from TSR Injury Law, we discuss some of the frequent errors made by inexperienced drivers. Our knowledgeable car crash lawyers in Minneapolis give you practical tips on how to avoid these errors and reduce your risk of a crash.

Injured in a Minneapolis car crash? Call (612) TSR-TIME for legal help today.

How Do Newer Drivers Misjudge the Unpredictable and Harsh Weather in Minneapolis?

Minnesota winters are notoriously harsh. Residents living there have come to expect heavy snowfall, icy roads and frigid temperatures. Newer drivers often underestimate the impact these conditions have on the roads, which can increase their risk of a crash.

It is easy to get caught off guard by Minnesota’s rapid weather changes, from sunny skies to sudden downpours or whiteout snowstorms, especially during the transitional seasons. This unpredictability can cause poor visibility and slippery roads. Drivers need to be ready to immediately adjust their driving, such as by slowing down and allowing for longer stopping distances. Inexperienced drivers are often unprepared to handle these types of driving conditions.

Less seasoned drivers, especially teens, may also misjudge the impact of Minneapolis’s harsh winters on road conditions. They may not realize how black ice forms on bridges and overpasses. Newer locals who are not yet used to such harsh weather, along with less experienced drivers, often get surprised by how fast snow can accumulate and obscure lane markings and road edges.

New drivers may not yet be familiar or comfortable with winter driving techniques, such as:

• Adjusting following distances on icy roads
• The proper way to correct a skid

This lack of weather-related driving skills is a disadvantage for newer drivers, increasing their risk of a winter crash.

Practical Tips Drivers Can Follow for Safer Winter Driving

To help reduce the risk of a crash in winter, drivers should take precautions and plan for better safety.

Before Winter sets in:

• Service and winterize your vehicle (including tires, brakes, wipers, etc.)
• Invest in high-quality all-season or winter tires for better traction on snowy and icy roads
• Keep your vehicle’s gas tank at least half full throughout the winter season to prevent the fuel line from freezing.
• Prepare an emergency kit that includes blankets, flashlight, snacks, water and a first-aid kit
• Learn how to use your vehicle’s anti-lock braking system (ABS) correctly
• Consider taking a winter driving course to improve your skills and confidence
• Learn how to correct a skid: steer into the skid and avoid harsh braking
• Practice gentle acceleration and deceleration to maintain control on slippery surfaces

Before Setting Out:

• Check weather before setting out, especially on longer commutes.
• If weather is going to be bad, stay home and off the roads when possible
• If you must go out, clear all snow and ice from the vehicle, including your roof, before driving
• Plan for extra travel time to accommodate slower speeds and possible delays

While on the Road:

• Increase your following distance to at least 8-10 seconds in snowy or icy conditions
• Use your headlights, even during the day, in poor weather to increase visibility
• Avoid using cruise control on wet, snowy, or icy roads
• Apply brakes gently and early to prevent skidding
• Remember that black ice forms first on overpasses and bridges

Why Do New Drivers Struggle with Minneapolis’s Complex Intersections and One-Ways?

New drivers in Minneapolis often find the city’s intricate network of intersections and one-way streets overwhelming. The downtown area, with its grid system and numerous one-ways, can be particularly confusing. Inexperienced drivers may miss turn restrictions or enter streets from the wrong direction, increasing accident risks.

Complex intersections like the “5-way” at Franklin, Cedar and Minnehaha can challenge even seasoned drivers. Less experienced drivers struggle to track multiple traffic flows and right-of-way rules. They may hesitate, make last-minute lane changes or misjudge turning angles. This confusion can quickly lead to rear-end collisions, sideswipes or T-bone crashes.

What New Minneapolis Drivers Can Do to Tackle These Roads With Confidence

To learn how to tackle safe navigation of these areas, new drivers should get start by getting familiar with the unique road layout. Have an experienced driver who knows the area go with you, so you can practice and gain confidence to drive more safely on these roads.

What Makes I-35W and I-94 Rush Hour So Dangerous for Inexperienced Drivers?

New drivers often make critical errors is on the I-35W and I-94 during rush hours. Inexperienced drivers may misjudge merging speeds, following distances and get caught off-guard by sudden traffic slowdowns.

Other inexperienced drivers may panic if they get boxed in by large trucks or be unsure how to manage last-minute lane changes. New drivers are also prone to distraction, frequently checking their phones or adjusting their GPS. This is especially dangerous when weather is bad, traffic is heavy or any time you are navigating unfamiliar routes. Any of these mistakes could lead to an unexpected single-vehicle crash, head-on collision or multi-vehicle pileup.

Steps You Can Take to Help Prevent a Crash While Driving on I-35W and I-94

To stay safer in these areas, new drivers should do the following:

• Plan your route in advance: Use your traffic apps to anticipate times and specific areas of your route that might become congested.
• Maintain a consistent speed and remember to use your turn signals well before lane changes.
• Keep a 3-second following distance, increasing that distance as needed in bad weather.
• Avoid the leftmost lane; this is where speeds fluctuate most.
• Stay focused on the road, being aware of vehicles around you.
• If you feel overwhelmed, find a safe exit or area where you can pull over away from passing traffic.

Consider practicing during off-peak hours to build confidence and your driving skills before tackling rush hour traffic.

What Other Common Mistakes Do New Drivers Universally Make?

New drivers everywhere make a lot of similar mistakes that can lead to dangerous situations on the road. These errors stem from inexperience, overconfidence, or simply not having developed good driving habits yet. Recognizing these common pitfalls is key to avoiding them and becoming a safer driver.

Here are some universal mistakes that new drivers frequently make:

• Tailgating or following too closely
• Distracted driving (texting, eating, adjusting music)
• Speeding, especially in adverse conditions
• Failing to check blind spots when changing lanes
• Neglecting to use turn signals
• Overestimating their driving abilities
• Not adjusting mirrors properly
• Panicking in unexpected situations
• Forgetting to turn on headlights in low visibility
• Ignoring vehicle maintenance issues
• Driving while fatigued
• Not wearing a seatbelt consistently

Involved in a Car Accident? Call TSR Injury Law

Driving is a skill that requires focused attention and a lot of practice. This is especially for new drivers who are still learning the challenges of Minnesota roads.

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, another driver may cause a crash. If you find yourself in this situation, it is important to stay calm and get help to the crash scene.

Injured in a crash in Minneapolis? If so, TSR Injury Law can help you understand your legal rights after a crash. If you need legal assistance, we encourage you to contact our law offices to discuss your situation.

Your initial consultation is completely free. If we represent you, there are no upfront costs of fees to pay.

Call today: (612) TSR-TIME.