State Testing in WA, CO, & SC

Online Test Prep in All 50 States

Search

Preparing Your Teen Driver for Driving Emergencies

At 911DrivingSchool, we know the value of preparing your teen driver for driving emergencies. Reacting quickly and calmly in a crisis can be the difference between life and death on the road. While learning drivers ed for teens, here are some potential hazards to review with your teenage driver:

Car Accident

Discuss what to do in the event of a collision. Even the most careful drivers can get into an accident. Teach them to stay calm, move the vehicle to a safe location, and call 911 or the police if needed. They should know to exchange insurance information with the other driver and never admit fault.

Vehicle fires can sometimes happen after car accidents. Your teen must pull over to a safe location, turn off the ignition, and get out of the car as quickly as possible. They should know never to open the hood or try to extinguish the fire. They should call 911 for help.

Emergency Braking

Your teen may need to perform an evasive maneuver to stop the car quickly to avoid a collision. Have them practice emergency braking in a controlled environment, such as an empty parking lot, to get a feel for how the car reacts and to build muscle memory.

Skids can be frightening, but your teen can learn how to regain vehicle control with proper training. Have them practice driving in slippery conditions and teach the proper techniques for recovering from hydroplaning, such as easing off the gas and turning the steering wheel toward the skid.

Breakdowns

Review what to do in the event of a breakdown. Have your teen practice calling for roadside assistance, and save the number in their phone. Teach them to stay inside the car and lock the doors until help arrives. They should also know how to turn on the hazard lights to alert other drivers to the presence of a stopped vehicle.

Accidents and breakdowns can happen at any time. Every car should be stocked with an emergency kit. Include a flashlight, a first aid kit, water, snacks, and a blanket.

Teach them how to handle a blowout or flat tire. Changing a tire can be intimidating for inexperienced drivers. Make sure your teen knows to safely pull to the side of the road, turn on their hazard lights, and use the spare tire and jack to change the flat. Practice this skill with them in a safe environment until they are confident doing it independently.

Distractions

Distracted driving is one leading cause of accidents. Drivers must be aware of their surroundings at all times. Encourage your teen to put their phone away while driving. They should also avoid distractions, such as eating, texting, applying makeup, or adjusting the radio.

Inclement weather can be challenging for new drivers. Have your driver practice driving in different weather conditions, such as rain, snow, and fog, so they can learn how to handle these challenges safely.

Driving Impaired

Driving while impaired can have serious consequences, including accidents, injuries, and even death. Ensure your teen knows the dangers of impaired driving and how to plan a safe ride home.

Road Rage

Aggressive driving behaviors, such as speeding, tailgating, and cutting off other drivers, can increase the chances of an accident. Teach your teen the importance of driving defensively and avoiding aggressive behaviors.

Road Detours

Unexpected road closures and detours can be frustrating and confusing. Make sure they know how to use a map or a navigation app to find a new route, and teach your teen the importance of remaining alert and paying attention to detour signs and traffic control personnel.

Emergency Vehicles

A first-time driver may freeze up if they see lights flashing in their mirror. Advise your teen to pull over when an emergency vehicle comes up behind them with lights and sirens blaring.

Pulling out of the way allows the ambulance, fire truck, or police car to pass safely. Ensure they know to look for an escape route when they cannot safely pull over, such as in heavy traffic.

Prevention is Best

Many of the previously mentioned hazards can be prevented with safe driving habits. Discuss the importance of keeping a safe following distance. Following too closely behind another vehicle can increase the chances of a collision. Teach your teen the importance of maintaining a safe following distance, especially in inclement weather or poor visibility.

Review the proper use of turn signals. Turn signals are used to communicate with other drivers to help prevent accidents. Encourage your teen to use them consistently when changing lanes or turning. Review the importance of checking mirrors and blind spots with your teen. Accidents can often be prevented by turning and checking mirrors and blind spots before turning or changing lanes.

Seatbelts are one of the easiest and most effective ways to protect yourself in an accident. Make sure your teen knows to always wear a seatbelt, even on a short drive. Remind them to check that all passengers in the car are also buckled.

Make sure your teen knows the importance of keeping up with regular maintenance tasks, such as changing the oil, checking the tires, and replacing worn-out parts.

Drivers Ed for Teens

By staying alert and reacting quickly, your teen can help keep themselves and others safe on the road. Contact 911DrivingSchool to learn how we can help safeguard your teenage driver.

Contact the Media Department at
911 Driving School

Name(Required)
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.