When a teenager gets a
driver license, it signifies freedom and the lure of the open road. But with
this newfound freedom comes a host of new situations and possible problems that
most teen drivers have never encountered before. It's a good idea to review
these scenarios with new drivers in your family, and discuss how to handle them
before they happen for real.
From traffic stops to
road rage, here's a primer on what you need to tell teen drivers as they take
to the roads.
1. What to do when
you're stopped by a police officer
Safely pull to the side of the road, turn off your car, roll down the window
and keep your hands visible. Don't make any sudden moves or argue with the
officer. Do your arguing in traffic court.
2. How to deal with
a flat tire
Pull completely off the road, even if it means destroying the tire. Call
roadside assistance and let that person change the tire. If you have a spare
(many cars now only have an inflation kit) and know how to change the tire,
make sure you are out of traffic and in plain sight of oncoming traffic before
changing it yourself.
3. What to do when
the "check engine" light comes on
If there is any change in the car's performance, any mechanical noises, smoke
from the tailpipe or electrical smells, stop the car and call for assistance.
If there are none of these symptoms, take the car to a dealer and let them
diagnose the problem. However, if you just bought gas, the light might just be
indicating that the gas cap is loose. Tighten the cap and continue driving. The
light should go off on its own.
4. How to deal with
a friend who is about to drive under the influence
Don't get in the car. Do anything not to drive with an intoxicated person,
and that includes calling your parents for a lift or paying for a taxi. Your
next move is to try to prevent your drunken friend from hurting themselves or
someone else.
5. How to drive
safely while talking on a cell phone
Most states ban all cell phone use by novice drivers, so be sure you
know if these provisions apply where you live. If it's permissible to use a
cell, always use a hands-free device so you can keep your hands on the wheel
and your eyes on the road. Learn how to pair your phone with the car's Bluetoothsystem.
Don't even think about texting while driving (no, not even at stoplights).
6. How to get an
honest quote for an automotive repair
Search Edmunds.com's Car Maintenance Guide or the Web to get an
estimate for how much the repair should cost. Search online for garages with
high customer ratings and ask friends for recommended garages. Call the garage
and ask for a ballpark estimate and let the garage know you are contacting
other places for their best quote. Use your intuition to make the final
decision on whom to trust.
7. How to buy a new
car
Don't just wander onto a dealership's car lot. Instead, contact the Internet
department of several dealerships to get multiple quotes and compare these
with Edmunds.com's True Market Value® price for any car you're
interested in. Make sure you check incentives and rebates. Follow up with
phone calls to the Internet managers of these dealerships to verify the terms
of their offers. Finally, ask the dealership to deliver the car to your home or
office to avoid the hard sell in the finance and insurance office.
8. What to do after
an auto accident
If the car is drivable and there are no serious injuries, turn on your flashers
and pull safely out of traffic. Call the police to report the accident.
Exchange insurance information with the other driver but refrain from discussing
the accident and who is at fault. Make notes and use your cell phone's camera
to take pictures of the cars involved.
9. How to drive in
rain and snow
Reduce your speed and leave more room between your vehicle and those in front
of you. Understand how to handle skids. If possible, practice reacting to
skidding in safe conditions, such as a snow-covered empty parking lot.
Understand that a car might hydroplane on a rain puddle on the road and learn
how to react to driving with reduced traction and visibility.
10. How to avoid
road rage situations
Understand the severe consequences to you, your car and your driving record
when minor disagreements escalate to life-threatening situations. When someone
offends you, take a deep breath and know that your anger will dissolve in
minutes. Don't anger other drivers by cutting them off or tailgating. If you've
inadvertently angered another driver, don't get drawn into interacting with
them. Ignore them or, if necessary, change your route. Finally, repeat this phrase:
It's just not worth it.
Be sure to share this information with your young driver and
for even more driving tips visit Edmunds.com and our other
Driving
Tips articles.
Graff Chevrolet is proud to serve the auto dealership needs
of cities such as Bay City, Midland, Saginaw, Mount Pleasant, Essexville,
Pinconning, Coleman, Sanford, Carrollton, Frankenmuth, St. Charles, Birch Run,
and Zilwaukee. We provide exceptional customer service, a warm and friendly
environment, auto financing options to fit your budget, and an inventory of
great new and used cars, trucks, SUV’s, and crossovers. Our ASE certified
technicians at the Graff Chevrolet Service Center service and repair all makes
and models both foreign and domestic. Call us at (989) 684-4411 or
stop in at 3636 Wilder Road, Bay City, MI, 48706 and check out
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