Teens and Tire Safety: What Driver's Ed Doesn't Teach
Written by
Christine Lacagnina has written thousands of insurance-based articles for TrustedChoice.com by authoring consumable, understandable content.
Reviewed by
Cara Carlone is a licensed P&C agent with 20 years of experience. She has her P&C license in RI and TX and holds CPCU, API, and AINS designations.
Your child's driver's education class focuses on the rules of the road and the mechanics of driving. Unfortunately, driving lessons often miss the mark when it comes to teaching basic car care and safety information that could help them avoid accidents. For example, many driver's ed courses fail to explain why tire maintenance is particularly important, especially for teen drivers.
Before your teen hits the road, an independent insurance agent can help you find the best car insurance to cover them and the vehicle they drive. Coverage for young drivers can be expensive, but local agents can shop and compare quotes from multiple local carriers to help you find the best deal on teen car insurance. First, though, here are some key lessons driver's ed may have failed to provide your teenage driver.
Why Are Tires So Important for Driver Safety?
A vehicle can operate without a radio, door, or even a roof, but every type of motorized vehicle must have tires to transport you smoothly from one place to the next. While these critical components of a car can easily be overlooked, they're often the source of auto crashes. Here are some stats regarding tires and possible issues.
- Underinflated tires cause about 90% of all tire failures.
- Tires underinflated by more than 25% are three times more likely to be involved in a crash than tires properly inflated for the road and weather conditions.
- Tires underinflated by up to 25% can also cause car problems since they may become overheated, have a shorter tread life, and not handle as smoothly.
- Tire-related crashes are more likely as the tread wears over time.
All of these problems are compounded when combined with an inexperienced driver. Many new vehicle models implement a tire pressure warning light to alert drivers to over- or underinflated tires. Teach your teen to recognize this symbol on the car’s dashboard and where local pressurized air stations can be found in your community. They're often available at local gas stations and car washes.
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Tips for Teaching Your Teen Driver Basic Car Maintenance
During your next practice driving session with your teenager, spend extra time discussing car maintenance and troubleshooting. If you're not confident about basic car care, find a relative or local mechanic to explain these topics to your teen:
- How to check tire tread depth and tire air pressure
- How to properly inflate a tire
- How to change a tire
- How to call for roadside assistance
- Who to accept help from during a car breakdown
In addition to tire topics, also review and explain:
- How to check and add oil to the engine
- Where to find the owner's manual
- How to troubleshoot warning lights on the dashboard
- How to adjust rear-view and side mirrors
- How to safely fuel the vehicle
- Where to add windshield washer fluid
- How to change wiper blades
If your teen has some basic knowledge of how to maintain their vehicle, this can increase the lifespan of the car and your teenager's chances of remaining safe while out on the road.
How to Prepare an Emergency Roadside Kit
Before you send your teens out on the road on their own, be sure an emergency roadside kit is safely tucked in the car. You can purchase pre-made kits from auto dealers, superstores, and larger car care centers. If you want to craft your own tote of safety supplies, here are a few ideas of what to include:
- Reflective vest to wear when outside the vehicle
- Tire pressure gauge
- Tire tread depth measuring tool
- First aid kit
- Matches and roadside flares
- Oil, brake fluid, and windshield washer fluid
- Blanket
- Flashlight and portable radio with extra batteries
- Tool kit including screwdrivers, wrenches, and a hammer
- Jumper cables
- Battery charging kit
- Rags or paper towels
- Duct tape and cutting tool (e.g., pocket knife or scissors)
- Bottled water and nonperishable foods (e.g., dried fruit, nuts, granola bars)
Even with the extra training you provide, your teen might experience car trouble at some point while driving. Speak with a local independent insurance agent to ensure your car insurance policy includes roadside assistance and towing coverage to help them in case of disaster when they're away from home.
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Here's How an Independent Insurance Agent Can Help
Having a young driver in your household can be both exciting and nerve-wracking. Before your teen is licensed to drive, talk to an independent insurance agent about your auto coverage. A local agent can help you review your existing policy and add coverage for a young driver. They'll shop and compare policies and quotes from multiple carriers for you to find the best deal. And down the road, your agent can even help file car insurance claims for you.
https://www.jcdelaw.com/2022/03/23/underinflated-tire-cause-car-accident/
https://www.consumerreports.org/cro/news/2012/05/nhtsa-study-finds-underinflated-and-worn-tires-increase-the-likelihood-of-a-crash/index.htm
https://michelinmedia.com/drivers-ed-failing-americas-teens/