First-time drivers can face many challenges as they learn to navigate the ways of the road. There is no shortage of potential causes for emergencies while driving, from reckless drivers to extreme weather.
Even if you have an extensive list of roadside assistance companies prepared for your teen in case of an emergency, they still need to be ready if something happens to them while they’re out on the road.
You can take a few steps and safety preparations with your child to ensure they understand what to do in a roadside emergency.
Make Sure Your Teen’s Car is Stocked With Essentials
The first step to being prepared in an emergency is ensuring your child’s car contains essential items. These items can often make a massive difference if anything happens to your teen while on the road.
First Aid Kit
A first aid kit is one of the essential items to have on hand in your teen’s vehicle. If your teen or a passenger is injured, a first aid kit can buy them time until assistance can arrive.
While you can choose to add anything you feel is necessary for your child’s kit, some items that you should include are:
- Adhesive tape
- Antibiotic ointment
- Bandages
- Disposable gloves
- Gauze pads
- Hand sanitizer
- Scissors
These items can allow your teen to wrap wounds or clean themselves up after an injury on the road.
Flashlight
A flashlight is an essential item to keep in your teen’s car. They may find themselves stranded while it’s dark outside. Though they likely have a flashlight on their cellphone, there is always the chance their battery could die.
Keeping a backup flashlight in their car will be essential if they find themselves in a roadside emergency at night.
Extra Clothing and Blankets
If you live in a cold climate, ensure your child has extra clothing items and blankets handy in their vehicle. If they find themselves stranded in freezing temperatures, these items can help keep them warm until assistance arrives.
Discuss a Plan of Action With Your Teen
While you can’t fully prepare your child for every possible emergency, having conversations with them about specific scenarios can help them better prepare. Explain to your teen how to use items in their first aid kit, who to call, and what steps to take if they find themselves in an accident.
These conversations can ease some of your child’s stress after an emergency. Having a plan of action gives them knowledge of handling situations that may arise while on the road.
Show Your Teen Road Basics
Some emergencies may be manageable if your teen is prepared for them. Explaining to your child how to handle these instances if they arise can help them get back on the road without a big ordeal.
Show your teen how to do basic things such as changing a tire and jump-starting their car. These situations don’t have to become an emergency if your child knows what actions to take if they occur.
While it’s still in their best interest to call for help
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