Teaching Your Teen to Drive

Most parents can wiggle their way through teaching their teen the mechanics of driving so their child can pass the drivers test and get their permit. But there is more to learn about the responsibility of driving than knowing which pedal is pushed to go and stop.

You should also teach your teen these important safety tips so they are prepared for the mishaps that come with the responsibility of operating a motor vehicle.

Pumping Gas & Safety at the Pump

Because we do it everyday, we forget how insecure we were the first time we pumped gas. You wouldn't believe how many teenagers don't know how to pump gas. When you are teaching your child to drive, make them responsible for filling the tank each time you take them out for a driving lesson. Keep seated and allow them to go through all the steps.

One important factor to warn them about is the danger of static at the pump. Static electricity can ignite gasoline fumes when you are pumping gas into your car. In March of 2010, a teenager was killed because he wasn't aware of this danger. According to the Associated Press, "L. David Byers, 19, of Camp Hill, was filling up his Toyota Yaris at a BP station in Lower Allen at 2:45 a.m. when vapor fumes caught fire. He was killed after inhaling superheated gases from the flash fire, Cumberland County Coroner Todd Eckenrode said. A static electric discharge sparked the flames." While this is extremely rare, it can happen and your child is not safe unless they are aware of the possibility.

Static electricity can build up as you slide out of your seat and if you do not touch the door or something metal when you get out, you carry that static to the pump handle. When you teach your teen to drive, get them in the habit of touching the door or something else that is metal before touching the pump to discharge any possible static built up on their clothes.

SEE Dangers of Static Electricity.

Don't Drain the Battery

If you run the radio when the car is not running, it can drain your battery. If you are at a bonfire or parked on a date, don't leave the radio on when the car isn't running. It can drain the battery just like leaving your lights on. You should also be sure to shut off any interior lights after you park your car. If you are looking for something in your car at night, sometimes you might forget to turn off the interior light. This can drain your battery over night and then in the morning, the car won't start. Then you will need to know how to jump start your car with cables.

How to jump start a car with jumper cables

Every car should carry basic emergency tools, one of which is a set of jumper cables. If your battery dies and you need to jump start it you will have an easier time getting someone to help you if you have your own jumper cables. Teach your child how to hook up the jumper cables properly to get their car going and tell them to go right home. If there is a problem with the alternator, the car may die at a stop or when the vehicle slows down. You can have your battery tested at a local parts supply store to find the problem.

If you don't know how to jump start a car with jumper cables, go to "HOW TO JUMP START A CAR" at one of the following links:

If the Wheel Locks and the Key Won't Turn

My 16 year-old son called me after school one day and said the car wouldn't start and the key wouldn't turn in the ignition. He wasn't aware that if the wheel locks, the key won't turn until the steering wheel is in the correct position. I told him to turn the wheel back and forth and try it again until the car starts. He was able then to start the car.

What to do when you get a flat tire

This may seem like a fairly easy task once you have changed your own tire, but for a new driver who has never faced this problem they will need a few tips. Again, having the proper tools in the car is essential. The first thing you need to explain to them is that they should not drive on a flat tire because it can destroy the rim. Find a safe place to pull over, like a shoulder or an exit if one is very close, and pull off the road as far as possible to avoid getting hit by distracted drivers. You can practice changing the tire with your teen for assurance. If you have a daughter, you may want to consider getting AAA with roadside assistance and keep that information in the vehicle.

You can view instructions on HOW TO CHANGE A FLAT TIRE

What to do if you are in an accident

The first thing insurance companies tell you is that you should never admit you were at fault. Sometimes teens get nervous and will automatically claim they were at fault and they might even believe it. They may not understand the complexity of the accident or they may be afraid of confrontation. They should call a parent immediately or other adult to come to the scene with them if at all possible. They should remain silent and only state the facts of the accident. Accidents for new drivers can have major costs in the long wrong. Simply offer your insurance information and let the Insurance agents handle the claim. If they can't get in touch with a parent, they should try to call the insurance company directly and ask the agent for advice. Many times an agent will come to the scene if they are available and it is practical to do so. If they have a picture phone or camera, they may want to take photos of the accident or damage for proof before any vehicles are moved from the scene.

Items you should have in your Vehicle at ALL TIMES

For safety and readiness you should always check for these items and carry a minimum of the following safety items in your vehicle in case of an emergency.

1. Insurance and Registration - Usually required by law

2. Jumper Cables - In case you need to jump-start a dead battery.

3. Tire Iron, jack, and spare tire - in case of flat.

4. Warm Blanket - In case you have to wait for assistance in the winter

5. First Aid Kit - In case of an accident you will have supplies until emergency workers arrive on the scene

6. A cell phone - Teach your teen to carry it in the glove box with the ringer off. With the ringer off, they will be less tempted to answer it while they are driving. If they get in the habit of checking it only when they are stopped or have arrived at their destination, they can avoid the possibility of any accidents from distracted driving, but they will have it in case of emergency.

7. Ice scraper - to clear windows

8. Always check your fluids and controls before driving your vehicle and make sure wipers and wiper fluid works. There is nothing worse than having mud or dirt slung on your windshield and you can't get it off leaving the road in front of you invisible. It is very dangerous.

By preparing ahead for any unplanned incidents you will not only protect your teen, you will also feel better about giving them the keys.

SOURCES:

Associated Press, MONICA VON DOBENECK, The (Harrisburg) Patriot-News, "Pa. teen killed in extremely rare gas station fire"

ASSOCIATED CONTENT, "Safety at the Gas Pump: How to Avoid Accidents"

ASSOCIATED CONTENT, "How to Jump Start A Car Battery"

ASSOCIATED CONTENT, "How to Change a Tire Even If It's Your First Time"