Ways to Prepare Your Teen Driver for Winter Weather

As we brace for the first gusts of winter, road safety is essential. However, inexperienced drivers like the teens sitting on your couch, who may be driving in their first winter, aren’t aware of the rules of the road during inclement weather. We have compiled the best tips to go over with your teen driver or just a refresher in case you need one!

Contents

Keep Your Eyes on the Road

Unfortunately, new drivers tend to be in more accidents. It is crucial to focus only on driving. When you are first behind the wheel, even actions like using voice-controlled features, adjusting the radio or eating can be a distraction.

Take Your Time

Be sure to stop for three full seconds at all stop signs to avoid being cut off, or cutting off other drivers. It’s also vital to follow the speed limit at all times and if the temperatures are below freezing, you may want to go even slower to avoid slipping on black ice.

Check-in

Before taking your vehicle out, always let someone know where you are going and when you plan to be back. We recommend checking in with that person when you’ve reached your destination and when you will be leaving, so that if something does happen, they will know where you are.

Weather Changes Can Happen in a Blink of an Eye

The best way to avoid bad weather is to stay at home. Of course, that is not always an option. If you have to get out and about, be sure your vehicle is equipped with the right tools to drive in these conditions, such as workable windshield wipers, antifreeze, and snow brushes.

Stay Organized

Be sure your insurance card is in an easily accessible place in the event of an accident, as well as your drivers license. It’s always a good idea to check to make sure you have both on you, each and every time you get behind the wheel.

Understanding Your Car

It’s important to know how to perform minor fixes to your car, such as changing a flat tire, jumpstarting your car, or changing your oil. If you don’t know how to do these minor fixes, we recommend consulting with a professional or online resources for further instruction. If you are unable to perform these fixes, we recommend utilizing a roadside assistance service, such as AAA.

Safe Teen Driver Program

Hanover SafeTeen is a group of programs that educate a new teen driver and help give parents peace of mind while their teens are on the road. Both parents and their new driver can benefit from the safety, education, rewards, and savings Hanover SafeTeen offers for responsible driving.

Hanover offers:

Teen driver safety course. This driving safety course is designed to help inexperienced drivers improve their driving skills and is proven to help reduce accidents by up to 30 percent once completed. Plus, as long as your teen completes the program, you enjoy the benefits of a discount on your auto policy.Teen driver mobile app. This app tracks a teen’s driving habits and provides an overall score based on distracted driving, speed, hard braking, and more. With helpful tips on how to improve scores, Amazon rewards for safe driving behaviors, and a discount on your Hanover auto policy, your teen will be on the right path in no time.Safe teen deductible option. When the Hanover SafeTeen deductible is added to vehicles that aren’t usually driven by a teen, you can save money and protect your vehicles. With a discount on the parent’s policy, teens get one more reason to drive their car and not yours. The choice is yours.