It's that time of year again. The leaves are changing, the air is crisper, and for many of us, that means winter weather is right around the corner. As a parent, the thought of your newly licensed teen navigating icy roads can be downright terrifying. For teens, the prospect of driving in snow and ice can be exciting, but also nerve-wracking.
Winter driving presents unique challenges, and it’s crucial for new drivers to understand how to stay safe. They lack the experience to react properly to unexpected slips and slides, making them particularly vulnerable in hazardous conditions. Teaching your teen how to prepare for and handle winter driving conditions can drastically reduce their risk of accidents and build their confidence behind the wheel.
A practical habit to implement is creating a pre-driving checklist specifically for winter. This should include checking tire pressure, ensuring windshield wiper fluid is full (with a winter-specific formula!), and verifying all lights are working properly. Make this a routine they follow every time the weather turns wintry.
Winter Driving Preparation: A Teen Driver Checklist
Winter driving demands a heightened level of awareness and skill. It’s not just about getting from point A to point B; it’s about anticipating potential hazards and reacting appropriately. Educating your teen on the specific challenges of winter driving is one of the most important things you can do as a parent. We will go through the car prep needed, safety precautions for driving, and things to remember when facing winter conditions.
Car Preparation for Winter Driving
Before even starting the engine, a thorough check of the vehicle is essential. Neglecting this step can significantly increase the risk of accidents.
Tire Pressure: Cold temperatures cause tire pressure to drop. Underinflated tires reduce traction and can affect handling. Teach your teen how to check tire pressure (it’s usually on a sticker inside the driver’s side door) and how to properly inflate them. Emphasize the importance of doing this regularly, especially when temperatures fluctuate.
Tire Tread: Adequate tire tread is critical for gripping the road in snowy or icy conditions. Explain how to perform the penny test: insert a penny upside down into the tire tread. If you can see all of Lincoln’s head, the tread is too low and the tires need replacing. This is a tangible, easy-to-understand method for teens.
Windshield Wipers: Ensure the windshield wipers are in good condition and replace them if they are streaking or worn. More importantly, use winter-specific windshield wiper fluid that contains antifreeze. This fluid will prevent the washer fluid from freezing on the windshield, which is a common and dangerous problem. Show your teen how to fill the washer fluid reservoir and explain the difference between summer and winter formulas.
Lights: Check all headlights, taillights, brake lights, and turn signals to ensure they are functioning properly. Visibility is often reduced in winter weather, making functioning lights crucial for being seen by other drivers. It is a good practice to encourage teens to turn their headlights on during the daytime, especially in snowy or foggy conditions.
Battery: Cold weather can drain a car battery. If the battery is old or weak, it may not start the car in freezing temperatures. Have the battery tested before winter arrives and replace it if necessary. Explain the importance of a healthy battery, and how a dead battery can leave them stranded in a dangerous situation.
How often should I check tire pressure in the winter?
Ideally, tire pressure should be checked at least once a week during the winter months, especially if the temperature fluctuates significantly. Cold temperatures cause tire pressure to decrease, so regular checks are vital for maintaining optimal tire performance and safety.
Safe Driving Techniques for Winter Conditions
Once the car is properly prepared, the next step is to learn how to drive safely in winter conditions. This involves adjusting driving habits and being extra cautious.
Reduce Speed: This is perhaps the most crucial advice for winter driving. Speed limits are designed for ideal conditions, and they need to be significantly reduced when roads are slippery. Encourage your teen to drive well below the speed limit and to adjust their speed based on road conditions. Explain that the goal is to maintain control of the vehicle, and excessive speed makes that impossible.
Increase Following Distance: Allow for much more space between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you. In dry conditions, a following distance of three seconds is generally recommended. In snowy or icy conditions, increase that to at least six to eight seconds. This gives you more time to react if the vehicle in front of you stops suddenly. Explain to your teen how to use landmarks to estimate following distance.
Brake Gently: Avoid sudden braking or acceleration. These actions can cause the tires to lose traction and lead to skidding. Apply the brakes smoothly and gradually. If you have anti-lock brakes (ABS), allow the system to do its job by applying firm, steady pressure to the brake pedal. If you don't have ABS, pump the brakes gently to avoid locking the wheels.
Steer Smoothly: Avoid sharp turns or sudden movements of the steering wheel. Steer smoothly and gently to maintain control of the vehicle. If you start to skid, steer in the direction you want the front of the car to go. This is counterintuitive for many new drivers, so practice this in a safe, controlled environment (like an empty parking lot) before encountering it on the road.
Be Aware of Black Ice: Black ice is a thin, transparent layer of ice that is difficult to see. It often forms on bridges, overpasses, and shaded areas. Be extra cautious in these areas, and slow down if you suspect black ice may be present. Remind your teen that just because the road looks clear doesn't mean it's safe.
Avoid Distractions: Distracted driving is always dangerous, but it's even more so in winter conditions. Encourage your teen to put away their phone, avoid eating or drinking while driving, and focus solely on the road. Emphasize that even a momentary lapse in attention can have serious consequences.
Practice in a Safe Environment: Find an empty parking lot or a quiet, snow-covered road and let your teen practice driving in slippery conditions. This will give them a feel for how the car handles and how to recover from a skid. Practicing these skills in a controlled environment can build confidence and reduce anxiety.
What should I do if my car starts to skid?
The most important thing to remember if your car starts to skid is to remain calm. Take your foot off the gas and brake. Steer in the direction you want the front of the car to go. Once you regain control, gently apply the brakes and continue driving slowly. Practice this maneuver in a safe, open area to build muscle memory.
What to Do If You Get Stranded
Despite the best preparation, sometimes drivers get stranded in winter weather. Preparing for this situation is a must.
Emergency Kit: Keep an emergency kit in the car that includes items such as a blanket, flashlight, first-aid kit, jumper cables, shovel, sand or kitty litter (for traction), and snacks. Ensure the kit is easily accessible and that your teen knows where it is. Explain how to use each item in the kit.
Stay in the Vehicle: If you get stranded, stay in the vehicle. It provides shelter from the elements and makes it easier for rescuers to find you. Run the engine for short periods to stay warm, but be sure to crack a window to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
Alert Someone: If possible, use your cell phone to call for help. If you don't have cell service, try to conserve battery power. Let someone know your route and estimated time of arrival before you leave.
Be Visible: Tie a brightly colored cloth to the antenna or door handle to signal for help. At night, turn on the interior lights to make the vehicle more visible.
What should I include in a winter emergency kit for my teen's car?
A comprehensive winter emergency kit should include: a blanket, a flashlight with extra batteries, a first-aid kit, jumper cables, a small shovel, sand or kitty litter for traction, non-perishable snacks, water, a warm hat, gloves, and a brightly colored cloth.
Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) and Winter Restrictions
Many states have Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) programs that place restrictions on new drivers, particularly during the first few months of licensure. Some GDL programs may prohibit or discourage driving in certain conditions, such as at night or with passengers.
Know the Laws: Familiarize yourself with the GDL laws in your state and make sure your teen understands and follows them. These laws are designed to protect new drivers and reduce their risk of accidents.
Set Additional Restrictions: Even if the GDL laws in your state are not particularly restrictive, you can set your own additional restrictions. For example, you may prohibit your teen from driving in snowy or icy conditions for the first few months of winter.
Parent-Supervised Driving: Continue to provide parent-supervised driving practice, even after your teen gets their license. Use these opportunities to teach them safe driving habits and to help them gain experience in different driving conditions.
Helping your teen develop safe driving habits is an ongoing process. While winter driving presents unique challenges, it also provides an opportunity for them to learn valuable skills and build confidence behind the wheel. By preparing the car, practicing safe driving techniques, and following GDL guidelines, you can help your teen stay safe on the road this winter.
It might feel overwhelming right now, but remember that every bit of education and preparation helps. Taking the time to educate your teen on safe driving habits for teens, including winter-specific skills, is an investment in their safety and well-being. With your support and guidance, they can navigate the challenges of winter driving safely and responsibly. You've got this, and so do they!