Getting Towing Help

Your teen is driving. You've taught him or her everything you can think of to stay safe on the roads. They know not to text or use their cell phones, they know to use their signals and check their mirrors, but do they know what to do if the car they are driving breaks down along the road? This article will help you teach your teen what to do in the event that he or she has to wait for a tow truck to arrive to help them.

Pull Off the Road

Never just leave the car sitting in the middle of the road whenever possible. If the car needs to be driving on a flat tire or following a small fender bender, that damage can be undone. If the flow of traffic is disrupted and the car could have been moved, things could get more complicated and your teen will be at greater risk of injuries when another driver smashes into the disabled car.

Safely Exit the Car

If the car is stuck on a busy road, don't try to get out on the driver's side. Instead, climb over the passenger seat and exit on the passenger's side. Cars can come out of nowhere and clip your teen as they attempt to get out of the car.

Use the Emergency Kit

Every car should have an emergency kit in it at all times. This kit should include flares or at least hazard triangles to be put out on the road to alert other drivers of the disabled car ahead. This is a real necessity especially when the car becomes disabled on a blind spot – like a hill or bend. If you cannot see several car lengths behind or in front of the car, the flares and/or hazard triangles must be put out before the curve or bend. You need to make sure that oncoming drivers have enough notice to get slowed down, moved over or stopped before colliding with the car.

Stay Behind the Guide Rail

Don't stand next to or behind the car. If there is a guide rail near the car, wait for the tow truck behind it. This will keep them safe while they wait for the truck to arrive. The last thing they need is to have a car collide with their car and push it into them.

Always talk with your teen about driver's safety including what needs to be done in the event of an emergency. You can contact local roadside towing services for more information and assistance.