Avoid the Woes of a Winter Wreck: 4 Tips for Teaching Your Teen How to Drive in the Snow

Getting a license can be incredibly exciting for teens and incredibly nerve-wracking for their parents. Even if you trust your teen behind the wheel, there are all kinds of hazards to look out for, such as inclement weather. In order for your teen to drive successfully in the snow, they need to be prepared. Here are four tips to follow when teaching your teen how to drive in the snow.

Reduce Speed

Speeding is an obvious no-no, but even going the speed limit can be dangerous if there’s snow on the ground. Your teen needs to reduce speed as much as possible. This doesn’t mean merging on the highway at 20 miles per hour when everyone else is going 60, but they should be cautious in their actions.

Keep Your Distance

Driving too close behind another driver is bad no matter what, but it’s a particularly bad idea in the snow. If your teen finds themselves closer than they should be, have them let up on the gas and give the car ahead more room. Should that car have to stop suddenly, this will help them to avoid a sudden collision.

How to Get Out of a Skid

If your teen loses traction, they need to be able to reorient themselves. One of the most dangerous things people do when skidding is slamming on the brakes. This can cause the wheels to lock. Instead, you need to train your teen to steer their way out of a skid. This can be a stressful situation, but with enough practice, they can get through it. You might have them practice this in an empty parking lot at night.

Stay in When Necessary

The absolute best way to avoid getting in a winter driving accident is to not drive in the first place. If your teen is coming home from work or school, they might have to drive home in the snow. But if they’re already home, let them know it’s fine to stay home until things clear up or to accept a ride from an experienced driver.

The number of lives lost and people injured due to auto wrecks in the snow is staggering and can most definitely be decreased. Your teen can be at the forefront of a safety revolution by practicing good driving habits and insisting their friends do the same. If they are involved in an accident, however, make sure to get in touch with an auto accident attorney. And be sure to consistently remind your teen that road safety is an absolute must, no matter what time of year it is.