Emergencies happen unexpectedly, and for new drivers, knowing what to do in these situations can make all the difference in staying safe. Whether it’s getting pulled over by the police, being in a car accident, or facing another roadside emergency, staying calm and being prepared can help your teen respond effectively.

As a parent, it’s important to make sure your teen is equipped with the knowledge and confidence to handle these situations.

Emergency cards are a simple way to make sure your teen has the important information they need—no matter what. Download, print and fill one out together with key emergency contacts, insurance details, and other crucial info. If their phone dies or they don’t have service, they’ll still have everything they need at their fingertips. 

prepare your teen for common car emergencies with these tips:

getting pulled over by the police

If you see flashing lights behind you, it can feel intimidating, but it’s important to remain calm and follow these steps:

• Pull over safely: Signal and move to the right side of the road. Choose a well-lit area to stop, preferably away from heavy traffic, for your safety
• Turn on your hazard lights: This signals to the officer and other drivers that you’re stopping.
• Stay in your car: Keep your hands visible, ideally on the steering wheel, and wait for the officer to approach.
• Be prepared to provide documents: When asked, hand over your driver’s license, registration, and proof of insurance. Keep your responses polite and calm; this helps the situation go smoothly.

It’s normal to feel nervous, but remaining composed and following these steps will ensure everything goes as smoothly as possible. 

dealing with a fender bender

Accidents happen, and knowing how to react can prevent further stress. In the case of a minor accident or a “fender bender,” here’s what you should do: 

• Move to safety: If possible, pull your car over to a safe location away from traffic.
• Turn on your hazard lights: This warns other drivers of the stopped vehicles.
• Exchange information: Make sure to exchange names, contact information, insurance details, and driver’s license numbers with the other driver.
• Document the scene: Take photos of the damage, the vehicles involved, and the location. If you have a dashcam, use it to record the scene for your safety.

Always remain calm and courteous, as this helps keep things in perspective. 

hitting a parked car (when the driver isn’t around)

If you accidentally hit a parked car and the driver is not around, it’s important to handle the situation responsibly: 

• Leave a note: Write a note with your name, phone number, and insurance information. Place it on the windshield of the damaged car. 
• Take pictures: Document the damage, your car’s position, and the surroundings. This helps protect you in case of any disputes. 
• Report to authorities: In some situations, you may need to report the incident to local law enforcement, especially if there’s significant damage. 

This is an important step in taking responsibility for your actions, ensuring everything is handled properly. 

what to do i a serious car crash

In the case of a more serious accident, it’s crucial to remain as calm as possible. Here’s what to do: 

• Call 911: If there are injuries or significant damage, immediately call 911 and provide details about the location and nature of the accident. 
• Check for injuries: Assess whether anyone is injured, including yourself, passengers, and others involved in the crash. Don’t attempt to move anyone unless they’re in immediate danger. 
• Stay at the scene: Do not leave until law enforcement arrives. Leaving the scene of an accident can result in serious legal consequences. 
• Follow instructions: Listen to the dispatcher’s instructions and wait for emergency services. 

Being in a serious accident can be overwhelming, but following these steps ensures that help arrives quickly, and the situation is handled responsibly. 

being prepared for an emergency

Making sure your teens have an emergency kit in their car and every car that they drive can help them stay prepared and even safer! Here’s what you should keep in your kit:  

• Your filled out emergency contact card
• Insurance and registration cards 
• First-aid kit 
• Bottled water and nonperishable food 
• Flashlight and extra batteries 
• Jumper cables 
• Blanket and a white rag (to use to tie on the door handle in case of emergency) 

Stay safe & stay prepared with Navigating Teen Driving Together

Our Navigating Teen Driving Together program is here to provide expert tips and additional free tools to help you and your teen build safe driving habits with confidence. Together you and your teen can make sure they’re prepared to be safe in any circumstance as they drive on the road!