How to Teach Your Teenager About Roadside Assistance

What is roadside assistance?

Depending on your plan, roadside assistance services may include towing, battery jump start, lockout service, spare tire swap, fuel delivery, and more. Car clubs like AAA, insurance carriers, car manufacturers, and credit card companies typically offer roadside service plans. 

Why Roadside Assistance Is Crucial for Teen Drivers

Teens can feel more confident on the road if they are prepared for a breakdown. Road safety includes knowing where to turn for help if your car breaks down.

Roadside assistance is important for young drivers due to:

• Inexperience: New drivers may not have experience changing a tire, for example.
• Safety concerns: If a teen driver gets stranded, having roadside assistance ensures that help is on the way. 
• Budget: Drivers who don’t have roadside service will have to pay for a mechanic or towing service out of pocket. Roadside plans are generally affordable and usually include various roadside services. 

How to Choose a Roadside Assistance Plan for Your Teen Driver

Here are some factors to consider when choosing a plan.

If You Already Have a Plan

Contact your roadside assistance provider and ask if you can add your teenager to your plan. That way, your child will be covered in an emergency, just like you are. (Some companies provide roadside assistance only to people listed on the auto policy or roadside membership.)

If You Don’t Have a Roadside Plan

You can purchase roadside assistance for your teen from a roadside assistance plan provider. Some providers offer different plans at different prices. Higher-level plans may offer longer towing distances, for example. 

Using Roadside Assistance: A Step-by-Step Guide

Set aside time to talk to your teenager about using roadside assistance. Review these steps, so your child will know exactly what to do.

1. Identify the Problem and Assess the Situation

Common roadside emergencies to go over with your teen include:

• Flat tire: You may hear a pop while driving or a hissing sound coming from the tire. You may also notice that the tire looks flat from a lack of tire pressure.
• Dead battery: Car batteries usually die when a car is parked. The car won’t start with a dead battery. You may get a warning light on the car’s dashboard before the battery dies. 
• Empty gas tank: If the gas tank runs dry while driving, the vehicle will continue cruising for a bit, but it won’t accelerate. If this happens, you should safely pull over to the side of the road.
• Lockout: Newer vehicles don’t allow you to lock your car keys inside; however, if you have an older vehicle, the car may be able to lock with the keys inside. If this happens, look through your car windows and try to spot the keys. Drivers often leave their keys in the ignition or on the driver’s seat.

2. Find the Roadside Assistance Contact Information

Make sure your teen has their roadside assistance card with them while driving, or that they’ve saved their card to a digital wallet. Your child should also save the roadside assistance number in their phone. Some companies have an app that you can use to request roadside service—make sure the app is downloaded prior to the incident.

3. Make the Call for Help

Talk to your teenager about the information they’ll need to provide the roadside assistance dispatcher. This usually includes the car’s make and model, your teen’s breakdown location, and the problem they’re having.

What to Do While Waiting for Assistance

Teach your teenager how to stay safe while waiting for roadside assistance. 

• Pull off the road, away from traffic: If you can, pull over in a parking lot or a rest stop to avoid being hit by other cars. If that isn’t possible, pull onto the shoulder of the road, away from moving vehicles, to avoid an accident.
• Be visible: If it’s dark or foggy outside, use flares or safety reflectors so passing drivers can see you. (Give your teen reflective markers to store in their vehicle.)
• Stay inside your vehicle (if it’s safe to do so): Make sure to remain buckled up and turn on your hazard lights.
• If you must exit your vehicle, be careful: Exit the door furthest from passing traffic (usually the passenger-side door). Move at least 40 feet away from your vehicle. Then, if another car hits it, you’re less likely to be struck by your car or flying debris.
• Don't attempt to make car repairs yourself: Do-it-yourself car maintenance, especially near a busy street, can be dangerous. Wait and let the pros take care of it.
• Don't accept rides from strangers: When someone is stranded roadside, a passing driver may stop and offer a ride. Remind your teenager that they should decline and let the person know that help is on the way.

Practical Tips and Exercises to Do With Your Teen Driver

Here are some ways to prepare your teen for roadside problems.

Simulate a Roadside Emergency

Run through various emergencies with your teen such as a dead battery, flat tire, or smoke coming from the hood. Make sure they understand which steps to take, especially in dangerous situations. 

Practice Calling for Assistance

Make sure your teen has your roadside assistance provider’s number or app downloaded on their phone. Go over the best way to call for help.

Review What Information Dispatchers May Need

Your teen driver should know the vehicle’s make and model. They should also know where to find the vehicle registration card and auto insurance policy number.