Advice for teen drivers heading for the mountains

Tips for driving in snowy weather

Snowboarding and skiing season is in full swing, and the kids are begging to go up to the slopes, but with snowy roads and unpredictable weather forecasts, parents worry about driving safety. Drivers who are inexperienced in snow can be a hazard to themselves, their passengers and other motorists. Teens themselves are uncomfortable driving, but if they get stuck on snow- or ice-covered roads, share these tips with them to help them drive safely.
 

• Take it slow. Teens are often overconfident in their driving abilities, which can cause them to drive too fast and too close to other drivers. Remind teens of the importance of taking it slow and keeping distance from other drivers in bad weather, especially when driving on winding roads, when approaching stops or during heavy traffic.
• Avoid Distractions. According to Liberty Mutual and SADD, 73 percent of teens admit to having their phones nearby while driving alone. Driving in bad weather can be challenging even without added unnecessary distractions. Remind teens to keep their phones out of reach and on silent so they’re less tempted to check incoming notifications.
• Know when to stay home. No matter how long they’ve had their license, sometimes conditions are simply too bad for teens to be hitting the road. Remind them of this and that sometimes the risks are too high, even for experienced drivers like yourself.
• Always be prepared! During winter months, when there can be bad weather and low temperatures, it’s important to always be prepared in case of unexpected car issues. Remind teens they should keep a snow brush/ice scraper in the car, along with an emergency kit. During the winter, trade tires for winter tires that provide better traction on the road when temperatures drops below 45 degrees. Liberty Mutual’s Masterthis winter driving kit provides helpful reminders.