SSM Health St. Clare Hospital - Fenton: Slick Roads? Practice Safe Driving

Press release from SSM Health St. Clare Hospital - Fenton:

November 24, 2021

As parents of newly driving teens, when the winter weather comes, our first instinct is to keep them home. However, that’s not always possible with school events, jobs, and personal commitments. Teaching them to drive in snow and ice is a life skill they need to learn now to keep them safe into adulthood.

Winterize the car –make sure the car is prepped for colder temperatures.

• Compile or purchase an emergency kit with a blanket, extra phone charger, water, and snacks.
• Check all the fluids including antifreeze and washer fluid.
• Make sure to keep gloves and an ice scraper/brush in the car.
• Check wiper blades, tire pressure, and tire tread.

Drive for the weather conditions – not for speed. Let your teen know to slow down and allow plenty of time to arrive at their destination. Often, others drive too fast during winter storms, teens shouldn’t feel the need to match their speed. Focus on the road, traction control, and proper braking.

Braking during bad conditions – teach teens to adjust their speed gently during bad weather. Slamming on the brakes may cause the car to skid, leading the driver to overcorrect and slide. Break earlier than normal conditions, even if the vehicle is equipped with safety features like ABS brakes.

Drive together and practice – this is an essential step for new winter drivers. Teaching best practices with your teen offers them a chance to learn from your experience. During a daytime winter weather event, start exploring with your street and progress to roads they commonly drive.

Remember to ALWAYS buckle-up. It’s the law and it can save your life.

This press release was produced by SSM Health St. Clare Hospital - Fenton. The views expressed here are the author’s own.