What to Teach Your Teen Drivers About Handling a Car Breakdown
Posted on: 7 February 2019
When your teens are old enough to drive on their own, you want to make sure they know what to do in an emergency. Malfunctions can happen even in new cars that are serviced regularly, so while your teen may not be able to make repairs on the spot, they should know how to get help. The information you teach them as teens will serve them throughout life and keep them safe if their car ever breaks down on the road. Here is some information you may want to pass on to your teens.
Keep a Tow Service Number on Their Phone
Thanks to smartphones, your teen can always have emergency numbers on hand even if they never have to be used. One number they should carry is that of a towing service so they can make the call right away and get help as quickly as possible. This will save them from wasting time trying to find a place to call, and that could be important if they're on the interstate alone at night.
Stay Safe While Waiting for a Tow
Your teen's car can break down anywhere, even while driving on the interstate. If the car is still operable, your teen should drive it as far from traffic as possible. If the car stops on the highway and it can't be moved due to traffic, then discuss with your teen the importance of making safe decisions. It may be best to stay in the car if traffic is heavy. If traffic is light, then getting out of the car and away from the road could be the best move if the surroundings are safe. Staying in a locked car could be safest at night or in a deserted area.
Carry and Use Emergency Equipment
Teach your teens about the importance of carrying emergency equipment in the car that's suitable for the season. Reflective triangles and flares warn other drivers that a disabled car is on or close to the road so they can avoid it. Also, remind your teens to turn on the emergency flashers as soon as the car breaks down and to lock the doors.
Prepare to Abandon the Car
Remind your teens to remove all valuable items from the car before they leave it and have required documents ready for the tow truck. When you call for service ask about the documents you need, which might include the registration for the car, insurance information, and a driver's license. These should all be in the car when driving and readily available. Your teen should also know where to have their car towed. This could be to the car dealership where you bought the car or to the family's mechanic. Being well informed about what to do in an emergency keeps your teen safer and also prevents them from not knowing what to do and being overwhelmed and frightened.
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