ENVIRONMENT

Teen drivers should be educated on emergency preparedness

Sep 29, 2024, 1:28 PM | Updated: 1:40 pm

An officer helps free a car stuck on Main Street in Farmington, Dec. 14, 2015. When it comes to get...

An officer helps free a car stuck on Main Street in Farmington, Dec. 14, 2015. When it comes to getting teen drivers prepared for the emergencies that can arise on Utah's streets and highways, the message is the same: You have to talk about it. (Ravell Call, Deseret News)

(Ravell Call, Deseret News)

SALT LAKE CITY — When it comes to getting teen drivers prepared for the emergencies that can arise on Utah’s streets and highways, the message is the same: You have to talk literally about it.

Not through text messages. Not on social media. You have to have a conversation.

Just get ready for your teen to respond.

“Two-way communication … that’s what we suggest with parents and teen drivers,” said Mitch Shaw, spokesman for the Utah Department of Transportation. “Talk with your teen driver. They are the least experienced drivers usually so let them know being prepared is important. You don’t want them to hesitate (coming to you) if something happens.”

Congress, with the help of the American Red Cross, has designated the month of September as National Preparedness Month, a time to create emergency kits for your home and car, as well as prepare your houses and autos for any potential problems during the fall and winter.

The American Red Cross of Utah is using this time to highlight the need for car emergency kits for each vehicle regardless of the age of the driver.

“People are moving here all the time, so we want to make sure they’re aware (of the need for car emergency kits),” said Sarah Martin, from the American Red Cross of Utah. “Remember, your kids, including your teens, see what you do and are more likely to copy what you do … and we all want to be prepared.”

These car emergency kits will be very useful when a driver is stranded in their car, is involved in a car accident, stuck in a snowbank, discovers there is no gas, and other unforeseen circumstances.

Teens often tend to drive older vehicles with various mechanical problems. They are also some of the least experienced drivers on the roads who may be driving in inclement weather in the upcoming months, putting them at a higher risk of car emergencies.

Representatives from AAA believe in the need to be more direct with teen drivers about the dangers on the road, especially in the winter.

“We advocate for teenage education when it comes to driving,” said John Treanor, spokesman for AAA of the Mountain West group, which includes Utah. “And it’s especially important they know it’s never too early to be prepared for an emergency.”

Car emergency kits can be placed in a cardboard box of the desired size and should include water, blankets, a change of clothes, jumper cables, portable cellphone chargers, and some nonperishable snacks. The experts noted that it does not matter how many things you have or even the cost of the things you have in the box. Simply having the kit is enough.

Anything to keep everyone — including teenagers — safe on the road.

“If teenagers wore their seat belts, didn’t speed, and were not distracted when driving, they would be safer in the car,” Shaw said. “And if they do not drive with any friends in the car for the first six months, they’d be safer. Having one or two friends in the car doubles their risk of a serious accident.”

“Teens especially have to be prepared,” he continued. “(The car emergency kits) are like a life jacket. It’s a really good thing to have, even though you hope you don’t need it. We want to help teen drivers understand that.”

KSL 5 TV Live

Environment

A DNR Division of Law Enforcement official sitting on his snowmobile while checking on people on th...

Andrew Adams

DNR Division of Law Enforcement monitoring people on the ice at Strawberry Reservoir

Department of Natural Resources new Division of Law Enforcement officers are setting out to monitor people on the ice at Strawberry Reservoir.

4 days ago

Two avalanches slide side by side in Big Cottonwood Canyon with a view of the Salt Lake Valley in t...

MARIAH MAYNES

Utah avalanche danger: Considerable in Salt Lake region, warning issued for Logan

Utah avalanche danger was rated as considerable in the Salt Lake area, per a forecast published by the Utah Avalanche Center. Farther north, a warning was issued for the Logan region.

9 days ago

FILE - Smoke lingers over a neighborhood devastated by the Eaton Fire, Jan. 9, 2025, in Altadena, C...

DORANY PINEDA ASSOCIATED PRESS

Crews clean up from LA wildfires, some residents furious over hazardous waste

Now, as crews clean charred remains from the Los Angeles wildfires, she worries about a new potential source of contamination: a site to process hazardous debris from the Eaton Fire.

9 days ago

Firefighters were urging caution around lakes, ponds, and other bodies of water with icy surfaces a...

Andrew Adams

Firefighters urge caution around thinning ice after Stansbury Lake rescue

Firefighters were urging caution around lakes, ponds, and other bodies of water with icy surfaces after a man fell through the ice at Stansbury Lake Saturday night.

9 days ago

A skier crosses a bridge in the snow in Little Cottonwood Canyon on Sunday. Parts of Utah are in li...

Carter Williams, KSL.com

Atmospheric river prompts storm warning in parts of Utah this weekend

Parts of Utah are in line for some heavy snow after a relatively dry January.

11 days ago

As thick haze sat over Salt Lake Thursday, doctors urged people to be strategic when exercising out...

Andrew Adams

Doctors urge people to be strategic with exercise in winter inversion

As thick haze sat over Salt Lake Thursday, doctors urged people to be strategic when exercising outdoors in winter inversion conditions.

12 days ago

Sponsored Articles

luxury living room with a classic white sofa and sofa, interior design...

Lighting Design

Revisiting home lighting trends for 2025

Looking for inspiration to revamp your home lighting? This article outlines some of the emerging lighting trends for 2025.

holiday gift basket with blue tissue paper and gingerbread cookies...

Kneaders Bakery & Cafe

Holiday hacks for a stress-free season

Get more out of your time with family and loved ones over the holidays by following these tips for a stress-free season.

2 computer techs in a computer shop holding up a computer server with the "hang loose" sign...

PC Laptops

A comprehensive guide to choosing the right computer

With these tips, choosing the right computer that fits your needs and your budget will be easier than ever.

crowds of people in a German style Christmas market...

This Is The Place Heritage Park

Celebrate Christkindlmarket at This Is The Place Heritage Park!

The Christkindlmarket is an annual holiday celebration influenced by German traditions and generous giving.

Image of pretty woman walking in snowy mountains. Portrait of female wearing warm winter earmuff, r...

Lighting Design

Brighten your mood this winter with these lighting tricks

Read our lighting tips on how to brighten your mood in the winter if you are experiencing seasonal affective disorder.

A kitchen with a washer and dryer and a refrigerator...

Appliance Man

Appliance Man: a trusted name in Utah’s home appliance industry

Despite many recent closures of local appliance stores, Appliance Man remains Utah's trusted home appliance business and is here to stay.

Teen drivers should be educated on emergency preparedness