Driving during the winter months can be difficult for even the most experienced driver. No matter your experience level, driving during unpredictable conditions can be an art form. If you are a new driver or just new to driving in snow or ice the task may be stressful just thinking about it. Many teen drivers are at an increased risk of accidents during this time, simply due to a lack of experience or preparation for the change in weather.

At some point your teen will encounter a snow or ice storm while driving. Waiting until the event is not the time to begin preparing them for the conditions. Take the time before the winter months to go over certain points of driving techniques for winter traveling. If you have the opportunity, take your teen to a less populated area to practice accelerating and braking in the snow. These are two things you must do to drive, but also pose the biggest risk for slipping and sliding. Let your teen experience what it feels like to slide a bit on the open roadway, or better yet, in a parking lot. This will allow them to become familiar with the feeling of losing control in any single moment, thus making it less stressful if it happens when they are in a real driving situation.

Be sure the vehicle is ready for winter too. Set your teen up for successful driving. Allow them to take an active approach to winterizing their own vehicle. Have them take it to the maintenance department of your local MO Toyota dealer. Let them stock the car with necessary emergency items, such as, a first- aid and emergency kit, a cell phone charger, and even extra coats and blankets for the unexpected roadside breakdown.

The more confident your teen feels when embarking onto a snowy road, the better the chances of them successfully maneuvering through the adverse conditions.