It can sometimes be hard to convey to teenagers just how important safety on the road is. The reality, as all experienced drivers know, is quite a bit different. Here are some things to remind teenagers about before they merge into traffic.

 

The Vehicle Itself

The first thing a new driver should learn is how to evaluate their own car. Obvious hazards like tire pressure, strange noises, engine lights, transmission anomalies and so forth should be pointed out to a new teenage driver. The necessity of fixing these things should also be emphasized, as not all safety hazards occur when a car is moving. Since teenagers likely have little experience, this information will be crucial.

While it is probably overdoing it to check the car every time it is driven, a regular schedule of safety checks is a prudent idea.

 

Equipment

Every new driver should be equipped with a roadside assistance number. There are numerous options for obtaining this coverage, including car insurance, memberships, credit card offers and from dealers themselves. In addition to some form of emergency mechanical assistance, an owner’s manual matched to the vehicle’s make and model should be kept inside the car at all times.

Finally, every vehicle should be equipped with a basic emergency mobile phone and a charging facility. Even well-maintained cars can fail, and so can mobile phones. It never hurts to have a backup or two.

 

Weather

Even people who consider themselves a contender for stunt driver of the year can overestimate their ability to recover from a weather-related loss of control. Seasoned police officers and military personnel routinely find themselves involved in accidents even after they spend months learning advanced driving techniques.

Educate teenagers on the effects of weather on the road. Emphasize things like temperature changes, wind and visibility, and how these things can not only be confusing to a driver, but can also damage a vehicle and cause an accident.

 

Accidents and Injuries

What to do after an accident is something every driver should know. It is doubly important for new drivers as they may not have the experience to navigate the situation effectively. The emphasis for accident safety should always be on the potential for injuries and how those injuries may not be immediately obvious to an untrained person.

This is one situation where the roadside assistance and emergency phone will come into play. New drivers should be trained to see to everyone’s safety and then get medical attention at once. You should also explain to your teen the importance of having a personal injury lawyer, like the professionals at Clearfield & Kofsky, to help you after an accident.

Driver safety is a big subject, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t useful to consider each point one by one. Being safe means being in control, and knowledge is the key to obtaining that control.