New Teenage Driver

Posted by FatChancePotatoDance@reddit | preppers | View on Reddit | 42 comments

Hello all. What would the community recommend for a new teenage driver? Living in the American southwest and have a teenage girl driving for the first time. I want to put together an emergency bag for her to leave in the car at all times. She definitely does not have the ability (or desire for that matter) to try and bug out on her own during a true catastrophe, but I think I should set her up with some type of bag for unseen situations. For example, stranded in a dust storm or snow storm, car broken down in a remote area waiting for help, accident, etc. I have my mind set on some basics, but any input from the community is welcomed. Thanks in advance.

[-]

Doyouseenowwait_what@reddit

Best recommendation is take a day and do the run through on the car. Take away the cellphone and have her jack up the car safely and change the tire. First thing you will run into is can she locate the jack, can she find the jacking points, can she break the lugs loose( most car lug wrenches suck get her a star wrench and teach her how to use leverage when using it). Have her jack up the car on a lean so she understands it will fall on her. Most roadsides are not level btw. Once she gets the tire off have her locate her spare and put it on. Make sure she doesn't cross thread the lugs. God only knows how many times I have seen this done. Then teach her how to put on tire chains. I would suggest at least five times doing just this. Next show her where the battery is and how to wiggle a terminal if the car won't start. Next show her where each fluid goes into the car make sure she is paying attention on this one. I watched two girls try putting oil in a car when I was leaving and when I got back an hour later they were still trying with the same quart. I asked if they needed help and yep they did! They were trying to pour it in the dipstick. Also teach her diesel pump handles are generally green and gas handles generally are black at the fuel stations. You don't even want to know how that came about. Throw an old shag rug in the trunk for two reasons one is something to lay on when you go to rescue her, second is an easy way to get unstuck in the snow by throwing it under a slipping tire. Mace or pepper spray, Power bank in the glove box, hand warmers, contractors garbage bag, 24 hr candle and a lighter, heavy hoody, jeans, socks, walking shoes. Water bottle, something to eat. This is just a rough outline but it gives you a general direction.

[-]

Shoddy-Ingenuity7056@reddit

Great info, I’ll say though that in my area for some reason they have been switching up the color of the gas/diesel pump handles! I have no clue why they would do this!

[-]

Doyouseenowwait_what@reddit

That could lead to problems for somebody if they are not attentive. Either type of a mix up sucks due to what you would need to do to correct it. Just hope no one started the vehicle.

[-]

DeflatedDirigible@reddit

A new driver should never be in a sand storm or snow storm. Check forecasts and simply don’t go out during those times.

Get your kid a credit card. Put them on your card (still builds credit) and tell them it’s for emergency use. If the weather is too dangerous to drive, let them check into a hotel room or eat at a restaurant while the weather passes.

[-]

1GrouchyCat@reddit

This time we started with one of those car emergency kits- (from a local discount store that was going out of business and selling everything at 75% off) … we then added a better first aid kit and extra batteries, a jump kit, water purifying straws,- plus items that would be helpful in the area we live in (NE US)

*Don’t forget to you go through your “car bags” once a year to make sure all of the items are still in good condition,- I like to make sure none of the liquid has escaped and none of the plastic has degraded.

[-]

FatChancePotatoDance@reddit (OP)

Good idea. I shy from the premade ones but like you said it is a start and can always upgrade. I struggle with water, just not sure how safe plastic bottles are as the heat hits the high triple digits. Thanks.

[-]

Shoddy-Ingenuity7056@reddit

Check out lifeboat ration water. It comes in pouches and I have froze and thawed it several times with no leaks, also advertised for external temps hot and cold. I also use the lifeboat meal bars in my kit for emergency food.

[-]

Fantastic-Spend4859@reddit

Any teen should be able to change a tire. If they can't, they need better tools (a cross tire iron vs the crap that comes with the car). Make her change a tire in the driveway. The confidence is epic.

She should know how to check her oil, coolant, tire pressure and what to do if there is a problem with them. How to add oil, how to add coolant, how to put air in a tire. She should know how to use jumper cables. She should have a grasp on how to shovel herself out if she gets stuck.

If she won't, then she won't drive. That's my opinion.

She should also know the basics of being ok if she is stranded according to your area. Snow? A sleeping bag and a complete change of clothes in case she gets wet trying to get herself out. Hot?? Always carry enough water to be stuck for a day and always have shoes in case you need to walk.

Giving a kid a bag will not help them if they have no clue what to actually do.

[-]

FatChancePotatoDance@reddit (OP)

I agree completely. We have covered basics, but I am always amazed at some of the obvious things i overlooked. Thanks for your advice. Much appreciated

[-]

Fantastic-Spend4859@reddit

Good luck! I taught three teen girls how to drive all at the same time. It was rough! Trying to remember who I had already told this or that. Ugh.

[-]

Additional-Stay-4355@reddit

That's a very worthwhile project.

I would think about the most likely scenarios she'll encounter and what she'll need:

Flat tires
Bad battery
Out of gas
Personal security threats (creeps)
Issues requiring basic first aid
Emergency cash
Spare clothes/ blankets
Spare feminine hygiene products and TP
Education on how to navigate situations involving driving and alcohol/ drugs
How to use paper street maps

If you can get her equipped and informed on the above, then I'd look at creating a get home bag. But, 99.99% of the time her get home plan is going to be a ride from mom or an Uber.

I went through this exercise with my step daughter and it gave me and her mother some peace of mind.

[-]

FatChancePotatoDance@reddit (OP)

Paper street maps. Spot on. Forgot about that. Thank you for your input

[-]

Additional-Stay-4355@reddit

You're welcome!

I had to use one a couple of years ago while my phone was being repaired. I felt like a babe in the woods LOL.

[-]

Backsight-Foreskin@reddit

When my daughter started driving I arranged with the local junk yard to teach her how to use a window punch. When I called and told the guy what I wanted to do he said he had some cars waiting to go in the crusher and she practice on those. We used a ResQMe, a spring loaded center punch, and some ninja rocks.

[-]

Additional-Stay-4355@reddit

Which one worked the best?

[-]

Backsight-Foreskin@reddit

Ninja Rocks would sail right through the window, leaving shattered but still intact, but you needed to wind up to throw it. I would use Ninja rocks if I were on the outside of the car trying to get in and a ResQMe if I were on the inside trying to get out.

[-]

Additional-Stay-4355@reddit

Awesome. I'm going to pick up a ResQMe to complete my emergency kit. Thank you!

[-]

FatChancePotatoDance@reddit (OP)

That is a great idea. Thanks

[-]

1GrouchyCat@reddit

We pack our kid’s and adult vehicle bug out kits into plastic milk crates - they’re easy to stack, carry, and move, and they can hold bags of ice, can be secured to tree limbs with rope for above ground food storage, can carry injured animals, or raise a structure or vehicle or pallet off the bare or wet ground, etc.

[-]

FatChancePotatoDance@reddit (OP)

Love the milk crate idea

[-]

Heavy_Gap_5047@reddit

r/VEDC is a better fit for this question.

Exactly what really depends on her and what she can handle/use. For many a cell phone and AAA card is best.

Is she someone that can change a tire, put on chains, jump start the car, etc. Or would she just be better off with a cozy blanket, battery backup for her phone and some snacks and beverages.

[-]

Hot-Profession4091@reddit

Nah. Even if she’s not the type to change a tire or use the jumper cables, that stuff should be there because someone who stops to help may know how, but not have jumper cables on them.

I mean, yes, the AAA card is also a very good call though.

[-]

Poppins101@reddit

Please teach her how to safely change a flat tire, how to check the tire pressure, how to check the oil level, add windshield wiper fluid, change the windshield wipers, keep her car clean inside and out, keeping the tank at least half full. How to use jumper cables. She us abke to all of these things if taught well by a patient person.

Teach her situational awareness, not being glued to her cell phone, doing a walk about before she enters the vehicle and observing her surroundings. Her personal safety is of upmost importance.

Yes, AAA is great. But she needs to know how to pull off safely from the roadway if she gets a flat tire.

[-]

Hot-Profession4091@reddit

You’re preaching to the choir there fam.

[-]

FatChancePotatoDance@reddit (OP)

Thanks for the r/VEDC recommendation. I don’t think I realized that group existed. If I did, I had forgotten. Thanks again.

[-]

SnooLobsters1308@reddit

"What would the community recommend for a new teenage driver?"

/COUGH car insurance.

... THAT can be expensive.

sorry, am in the industry ....

[-]

FatChancePotatoDance@reddit (OP)

lol. Truth. I guess time will tell how expensive :/

[-]

Cute-Consequence-184@reddit

Headlamp

Flashlight with magnetic base

Jumper cables and lessons in how to use them correctly.

Yellow vest, they can even be put into the back window to warn other car drivers if she breaks down on the side of the road. It can also be put behind the rear tire as long as it is not forgotten. It can be tied to an antenna to signal a tow truck driver But essential if she ever had to walk alone a road

Extra batteries in a heavy ziplock bag specifically for the flashlight and headlamp

Gloves, just some kind of rubber gloves in case she needs to check the oil or anything else. Oil can really do a nasty job on painted nails and it can get under fake ones horribly.

Also, large garbage bags can be used as aprons to protect clothing if you have to check the oil or anything else when you are wearing your nice clothing. More of a short girl thing but things can be hard to reach and short girls have to lean on and over the engine more than tall people. I truly believe the dumb blond jokes began because women don't like to get dirty looking under the hood. And it is all about the dirt and not the lack of knowledge.

A wide brim hat that rolls up to store in a backpack or purse.

Pliers and a large wrench because small hands can have trouble opening containers and other shit. They also make good weapons in a pinch.

A basic toolkit

A basic black piece of felt is often included in many kits as a way to keep you from getting things dirty.. But they are too small to protect skirts. So a small tarp is good to keep in the trunk. They take over when the trash bags aren't large enough. And if you ever have to get on the ground to look under the car for any reason, they are greatly appreciated. Can also be used for a broken window or one that won't roll up for some reason.

A walking stick or a cane isn't usually seen as a weapon but can be one in a pinch. If asked, she can always say her dad left it in there last time he drove the car.

A very loud whistle

A personal alarm, the kind you pull

Mace (is now illegal in some areas so check first)

Lessons on how to change a tire, check the oil, coolant, wiper fluid and other basics.

Extra phone charging cables, extra car adapter. You don't want her to break down with a dead phone battery.

These aren't even prepping things, just regular daughter getting a license things.

[-]

FatChancePotatoDance@reddit (OP)

Wow! Great list. Thank you so much.

[-]

threadbarefemur@reddit

I’d recommend these the most:

Space blanket (one or a few of those foil ones)
Wool blanket
Jumper cables/car jumper
First aid kit
Hi-Vis vest
Small pylons with reflective tape on them
Spare change of clothes
Duct tape

[-]

FatChancePotatoDance@reddit (OP)

Hi-Vis vest. Good call. Hadn’t thought of that.

[-]

Dankreefer420@reddit

I have a Tyger 16 in 1 shovel and a ton of different water purifying methods. Tarps to cover anything exposed after a wreck in the snow (ik you said southwest) or rain. As for food you would know best for her. I personally always have a gun so somethings gonna die and it aint me. Collapsible walking stick maybe clothing to shield from the sun, sunscreen. I have a fear of sliding off a mountain into a ravine and forcing myself to bear grills it out 300 yards from a roadway.

And ofc all the road flares and yada yada yada

[-]

FatChancePotatoDance@reddit (OP)

I will check out the Tyger. Thanks for the input

[-]

Hefty-Squirrel-6800@reddit

Life360 is a must.

[-]

FatChancePotatoDance@reddit (OP)

For sure. Thanks.

[-]

boggycakes@reddit

Hey, if you’re in the southwest do not forget about sun protection. Wide brimmed hat, an umbrella, and a rain poncho are all easy to store in a car.

[-]

FatChancePotatoDance@reddit (OP)

Good call. Being so used to it I sometimes take things for granted. Good reminder. Thanks.

[-]