We’re getting into the winter season soon, and many parts of the country are seeing snow already. It’s a festive time, with some holidays coming up, but you also need to be careful on the road when you drive. If you have a teenager who is just learning how, you might be nervous.
Parents should share some winter driving tips with your teenage kids. Regardless of whether you let your kid borrow the car sometimes or if you bought a used one for them, you want them to be safe out there. Here’s some advice you can share with them.
Don’t Drive When They Feel Tired
This first one is a good tip for any time of year, but it applies even more during the winter. You should tell your teen they should not drive if they’re experiencing fatigue. The National Safety Council says that if you feel tired, it makes it three times more likely you’ll get in a car wreck.
During the winter:
- The days are far shorter, and the nights are longer
- People experience sluggishness, especially in the morning
If you have a tired teenager who has to drive somewhere early in the morning, they might not do so well before the sun is up, especially as an inexperienced driver. They could easily make a mistake.
You can tell your kids to drink some caffeine or take a shower before they get behind the wheel. They might have to go to school or work, but they need to make sure they are fully awake before they do.
Keep Some Sand or Kitty Litter in the Trunk
They should also keep some sand or kitty litter in the trunk or back seat of the vehicle they drive. This will come in handy:
- If the vehicle gets stranded in the snow
- If they need traction to get loose
You should expect some snow driving if you live in certain regions, and your kids are going to experience it for the first time at some point. They might easily get stuck in a snowbank.
When they do, they can get the sand or kitty litter and put it behind each of their tires, then try to back up onto it to gain traction. That can be a way for them to get loose if they can’t get a tow truck easily. They should also have a small shovel in the car to scoop the snow away from the tires.
They Should Have Their Phone with Them
When your teen is old enough to have a license and drive, you should get them a smartphone as well. It’s one thing everyone should have when it’s time for some winter driving.
If they ever get in a wreck or stall out, they can call you on the phone, or they can contact a towing service. You don’t want them getting stuck out on the highway or some deserted back road in the middle of a blizzard with no easy communication method.
Give Snowplows a Wide Berth
During the winter, your teen will likely see snowplow crews on the roads, trying to clear them. They are there to help, but they also take up a lot of space.
You should instruct your teen not to get too close to the plows while they are doing their job. They should make sure they pass around them without distracting the driver or damaging their vehicle.
Drive Slower Than Normal
You should tell your teen they need to obey the speed limit at all times, regardless of whether they’re on the highway or local roads and whether the streets have snow or ice on them. However, in bad weather, they should slow down even more.
If they speed when there are snow and ice on the ground, an accident is much more likely. They do not have experience yet, and they have not been in many complex or challenging traffic situations.
Even for more experienced drivers, bad weather is tough, and slowing down can save your life or someone else’s. Other drivers and pedestrians will be glad when your teenager slows down and drives carefully.
Snow days can be a time for your young driver to get some much-needed experience. If they’re going to live somewhere where they can expect snow every winter, they need to get out there at some point. You might want to go out with them the first few times to encourage them.
I’m a 20-something stay-at-home mother and wife. I have an amazing husband, a beautiful daughter, two loving dogs, and a lazy cat. I wouldn’t change my life for anything! I love to read, listen to music, cook and blog!
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