December 2021: Winter Driving for Teens
/
Driving on snowy, icy streets can be challenging even for experienced drivers. As we head into the winter months, it’s important for parents and caregivers to teach teen drivers how to stay safer on the road. Practicing driving together, checking the tires, and packing a winter car kit can make parents and teens feel more comfortable this season. Read on for more winter driving safety tips:
Practice driving on snowy roads. Go to an empty parking lot or large paved area so your new driver can learn how to handle their car in icy conditions while still in a safe environment. Practice braking, steering, and accelerating.
Leave plenty of room for other cars. Keeping a safe distance from the car in front of them gives your teen plenty of room to come to a complete stop, even on the ice.
Beware of ice patches and “black ice.” Remind your young driver that ice forms quickly on bridges and overpasses, and sometimes the ice can be hard to see or look like a puddle.
Check your teen’s car to make sure it’s in working order. Check the tire treads, air pressure, and windshield wipers and top off any fluids. Put on snow tires before the snow begins to fall, and clear any snow, ice, or dirt from windows, sensors, and lights.
Keep a safety kit with a flashlight, jumper cables, extra blankets, sand or non-clumping cat litter, and a small shovel or ice scraper in the vehicle. Add a few snacks, energy bars, and bottled water to the trunk of your teen’s car in case of a breakdown or bad weather.
Member Spotlight
The Member Spotlight is a new addition to our monthly newsletter and is intended to introduce and promote the work of one of our members to the rest of the Prevent Child Injury membership.
Featured Member: Children’s Health Alliance of Wisconsin
Founded in 1994, Children’s Health Alliance of Wisconsin advocates for families and actively works to create programs to build healthier communities. Whether it’s preventing injuries or improving access to care, the Alliance works to change systems, influence policy, and implement best practices to help children grow to their full potential. Follow them on Twitter, sign up to receive their newsletters, and learn more on their website. Thank you for your outstanding work, Children’s Health Alliance of Wisconsin!
Take Action
Every month, we promote a new action that each family can take to keep their children safer. This month, we want every family to pack an emergency supply kit for the car. The kit should include jumper cables, flares or reflective triangles, an ice scraper, a cell phone charger, a blanket, drinking water, and sand or cat litter for tire traction.
Follow along every month for a new action for you to share with the families you serve.
Coming Up
On Our Twitter Calendar
Nov. 29 - Dec. 5: Holiday Decoration Safety
Dec. 6 - Dec. 12: Safe Toys & Gifts
Dec. 13 - Dec. 19: Sledding Safety
Dec. 20 - Dec. 26: Winter Travel
Dec. 27 - Jan. 2: Recap Major Safety Stories of 2021
Events
Event: Road to Zero Community Traffic Safety Grant Webinar
Hosted by: Road to Zero Coalition
Date/Time: December 7, 2021 from 2 pm - 3 pm ET
The Road to Zero Coalition is excited to open applications for a new round of its Community Traffic Safety Grants. This webinar will be an opportunity to hear from previous grantees, ask questions about the application process, and be inspired to submit your idea to save lives on our streets.
Event: Culturally Relevant Approaches to Prevent Suicide among American Indian and Alaska Native Youth
Hosted by: Children's Safety Network
Date/Time: December 8, 2021 from 2 pm - 3 pm ET
While the risk of suicide among American Indian and Alaska Native youth is 2.5 times higher than the general population, suicide rates vary across tribal communities. Preventing suicide by using a culturally relevant, contextually driven, comprehensive approach is a high priority for those working to address this health disparity. Dr. Dolores Subia BigFoot, of the Indian Country Child Trauma Center and Suicide Prevention Resource Center, will discuss risk and protective factors for American Indian and Alaska Native youth and share how she has created cultural adaptations of evidenced-based programs to best serve families. Colbie Caughlan, of the Northwest Portland Area Indian Health Board, will discuss her work including challenges and successes in suicide prevention efforts with Northwest tribes. The webinar will be moderated by Dr. Ellen Harwell of the National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention. Click here to register.
Event: 2021 MIPA Virtual Summit
Hosted by: Illinois Dept. of Public Health, Violence & Injury Prevention Section
Date/Time: December 9, 2021 from 9 am - 3:30 pm CT
Registration for the 2021 MIPA Virtual Summit is now open. The summit will be held virtually this year on December 9th, 2021, from 9:00 am - 3:30 pm CST (check-in and networking begin at 8:30 am CST). The summit will include discussions about current research, innovative programs, new strategies and policies, as well as opportunities to connect – to establish new linkages and strengthen existing friendships and relationships. This is a free event, but registration is required. To learn more and register, please visit the conference website.
Event: Partnering with Law Enforcement in Traffic Safety
Hosted by: Road to Zero Coalition
Date/Time: December 15, 2021 from 2 pm - 3 pm ET
The issue of enforcement as a means to address traffic safety is one that has been at the forefront of efforts to reduce to fatalities and injuries. The Road to Zero Coalition has a role to play in these efforts, using its network to bring together stakeholders, share information, and have honest, respectful, and productive discussions that can lead the work towards a more equitable mobility future for all road users. This session will explore ways that communities can engage law enforcement officers in creating safer streets in ways other than traditional traffic stops. Click here to register.
Featuring:
Lt. Tammy DeBow, Patrol Division Supervisor, Knoxville Police Department
Sheriff Garry L. McFadden, Mecklenburg County
Ellen Zavisca, Principal Transportation Planner, Knoxville Regional TPO