Winter driving can be a challenge for even the most experienced driver, sometimes resulting in accidents and auto insurance claims. However, it can be especially risky for newly licensed teenagers. If your son or daughter will be hitting the roads this year, taking certain precautions will help keep them safe during bouts of snow, ice, and other winter-related weather conditions.

Do:

Stock their car. 

Pack your teen’s trunk with an emergency kit containing bottled water, a flashlight, batteries, and a blanket. They should also have access to the items needed to change a flat tire, as well as extra wiper fluid. Also, encourage your teen to fully charge their cell phone before any road trip so it can be used during an emergency.

Make sure they clean their car thoroughly.

Encourage your teen to keep the windshield, headlights, and taillights clean and free of snow. Each car in the home should have a brush, scraper, and broom. Teach them to clear the roof of the car, not just the areas they will use to see out of—since the snow is likely to shift while driving, endangering their line of sight or possibly distracting other drivers.

Don’t:

Let them neglect auto maintenance. 

Tires can lose air pressure in cold weather, which, in turn, makes your teen more susceptible to a flat or an accident. Therefore, help them research the correct psi for their tires based on the manufacturer’s recommendations and walk them through how to inflate them properly.

They should also take their car for regular servicing—including oil changes, transmission flushes, tire rotations, and wheel alignments—to keep their vehicle running as smoothly and safely as possible.

Allow them to drive without sufficient insurance.

As soon as your teen gets their license, contact your insurance company to ask about adding them to your coverage. While this might cause your premiums to go up slightly, you can ask about discounts for bundling. Some companies also offer a reduction if your teen is a good student. In addition to ensuring that damages will be covered in the event of an accident, knowing that you are financially protected can give you peace of mind while they’re on the road.

Interested in looking for car insurance for your teen? Call Accredited Insurance Group, Inc. of Greater Omaha, NE. In business since 1987, they strive to protect your family financially from life’s unfortunate surprises. Call (402) 334-1780 to schedule up a consultation call or visit them online to explore their other products.