Are Your Kids Learning to Drive? Check Out These Safety Tips From Nash Habib

These safety tips offered by Nashwan Habib may help new drivers stay safe.

One of the most exciting things for many teenagers is learning how to drive and getting a license. Cars offer freedom. However, they also present risks. Roadside breakdowns, for example, can quickly evolve from minor hassles to serious emergencies. Fortunately, roadside service expert Nashwan Habib has some tips.

“It’s important to prepare your kids for driving, and that means more than just learning road laws and the like,” Nashwan Habib notes. “Teaching your kids what to do in an emergency is vital and might save their life at some point.”

If a car breaks down, the driver should first engage their hazard lights to let other drivers know that something is wrong. If the car is still drivable, you may try to pull into a parking lot. Otherwise, it’s important to get to the side of the road as quickly as possible.

Next, while pulling over on the side of the road, the driver should turn the wheels away from the roadway. After that, you should engage the emergency brake. This will reduce the risk of the disabled car moving.

“As a parent, it’s smart to point out safe areas to pull over,” Nashwan Habib says. “You want to pull off into a parking lot or a wide shoulder if possible. It’s also best to avoid pulling over next to deep ditches or other large drop-offs.”

It might be tempting to jump out of the car to see what’s wrong. However, before exiting the vehicle, you need to make sure it’s safe to do so. If you’re on the expressway or in heavy traffic, it may be better to wait in the vehicle and call for roadside service.

“Increasing visibility is vital if you’re broke down on the side of the road. It’s best to have an emergency kit in your car equipped with flares, reflectors, or emergency lights. These days, you can buy electric flare lights that are safe and easy to use.”

Besides lights, emergency kits should contain a few bottles of water, a blanket, jumper cables, a flashlight, first aid kits, a gallon of coolant, motor oil, and basic tools, such as screwdrivers and wrenches. Hopefully, you’ll never need to use your emergency kit. However, if an emergency does occur, the above will come in handy.

Nashwan Habib Suggests You Keep a Local Roadside Service Company on Speed Dial

When an emergency occurs, it’s smart to contact a roadside service company. Expert technicians can safely tow cars, change tires, and perform other roadside services. They will also typically have flairs and reflectors on hand.

“You don’t want to have to search for roadside service companies while you’re broken down. You’re already under a lot of stress,” Nashwan Habib explains. “It’s smart to find a local roadside service company where you live, work, or otherwise frequent. Then plug their number into your phone.”