Winter Driving Safety Tips for Teens

At National Heritage Academies (NHA^®), we believe learning goes beyond the classroom. Skills like preparation, responsibility, and good decision-making matter in everyday life, including when teens get behind the wheel. Winter weather can make driving harder, especially for new drivers. Snow, ice, and low visibility increase risk on the road. That is why parents and teens should talk through winter driving safety before the first storm hits.

If your teen drives in winter conditions, these tips can help them stay safe and confident behind the wheel.

Why Winter Driving Is More Dangerous for Teen Drivers

Teen drivers are still building experience. Winter roads demand slower reactions, better judgment, and patience. Ice and snow reduce traction, limit visibility, and increase stopping distance. Knowing what to expect and how to respond can make a real difference.

1. Traction: How to Keep Control on Snow and Ice

Traction helps tires grip the road. In winter, traction is limited.

Teens should know:

• Accelerate slowly from a stop.
• Avoid spinning the wheels.
• If stuck, clear snow from around the tires first.
• Use sand, kitty litter, or traction mats if available.
• Make sure tires have good tread before winter begins.

Good traction starts with preparation and patience.

2. Braking: Why Stopping Takes Longer in Winter

Snow and ice greatly reduce a car’s ability to stop.

Key safety reminders:

• Begin slowing down earlier than usual.
• Brake gently and steadily.
• Avoid sudden stops.
• Keep a large following distance.

On icy roads, stopping distance can be three to twelve times longer than on dry pavement. Extra space gives drivers time to react safely.

3. Visibility: Seeing and Being Seen

Winter weather affects everyone on the road.

Before driving, teens should:

• Clear snow and ice from windows, mirrors, headlights, and taillights.
• Turn on headlights during snowfall.
• Use windshield wipers and defrosters regularly.

If visibility is poor:

• Slow down.
• Pull over only when necessary.
• Turn on hazard lights.
• Use flares or reflectors if available.

If your teen cannot see well, other drivers likely cannot see them either.

4. Distractions: Staying Focused Matters More in Winter

Winter driving requires full attention.

Encourage teens to:

• Put phones away.
• Set music and GPS before driving.
• Limit conversations with passengers.
• Keep both hands on the wheel.

Fewer distractions mean faster reaction time and better control.

Additional Winter Driving Safety Tips for Teens

Maintain the Vehicle

A well maintained car is safer in cold weather.

• Check the battery.
• Replace worn tires.
• Refill windshield washer fluid.
• Inspect wipers and brakes.

Keep an Emergency Kit in the Car

Every teen driver should carry a basic winter kit, including:

• Blanket
• Flashlight
• Ice scraper
• Shovel
• Jumper cables
• Sand or kitty litter
• Flares or reflective triangles

Leave Early and Avoid Rushing

Rushing increases risk.

• Plan extra time for winter travel.
• Drive slower than posted speeds when conditions are poor.
• Remember that arriving late is safer than not arriving at all.

How Parents Can Help Teens Drive Safely in Winter

• Practice driving together in snowy conditions.
• Review routes before storms.
• Set clear expectations for weather related delays.
• Encourage teens to stay home when conditions are unsafe.

At NHA, we know students do best when families and schools work together. Conversations like these help teens build confidence, responsibility, and good judgment, skills that support success in school and beyond.

Many of the habits that keep teens safe on winter roads reflect the same values families work to build every day. Taking responsibility, staying focused, and thinking about how choices affect others are lessons that help teens succeed both on the road and in life. These are the kinds of values we believe prepare students for the future.