Either you, your child, or someone you care for has recently turned the age of being able to drive. Here’s a few tips on preparing them for all the new situations that could come up in their travels.

1. If you are pulled over by a Police Officer:

Be calm, you may not have broken the law, but if you are being pulled over, make sure you pull over on the right hand side of the road if it is safely available. Be sure to leave enough room for the officer to safely walk up to your window. Roll your window down, do not reach around or make any sudden movements. If you’re paperwork is filed away in your glove box, inform the officer that you have your documents in there and you want to follow their instructions of how to retrieve it. This is for their safety, they do not know if you have anything that could cause them harm and if you are shuffling around for your papers, it appears suspicious to the officer. Keep your hands visible, leave them on the steering wheel, and absolutely do not argue with the officer, always be respectful.

2. Flat Tire:

Drive your car completely off the road, even if it destroys the tire. If you are equipped with a spare tire (many cars today are only equipped with an inflation kit) and are able to change it, be sure you are clear from all traffic. If you are unable, call roadside assistance and let that person change your tire. Be sure to keep your roadside assistance phone number either in your phone or a copy in your glove box with all your other car documents.

3. Check Engine Light comes on:

Don’t panic, there is the possibility your car sets this alert off if you did not get your gas cap tightened enough. Stop the car in a safe location, tighten the cap and a few moments afterward it should shut off. If this does not do the trick, two decisions need to be made. One, is your car functioning properly? If there is no smoke, mechanical noises, or smells, take your vehicle to the service department and have them survey what the problem may be. If you are experiencing any decline in your cars performance as the light comes on, pull safely off the road and call roadside assistance for help.

4. What to do after an accident?

If you are not injured, and are able to safely move your vehicle off the road to the shoulder, pull your car over. Call the police to report the accident. Exchange insurance information with the other driver, refrain from discussing the accident and who was at fault. Make personal notes of what you recall happening and take photos with either your camera or your camera phone.

If you want to continue to read the top 10 things to talk about your teen with on cars and driving visit: Edmunds.com

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