Fort Lauderdale Car Accident Attorney Blog
Driver’s education courses may prepare young drivers for the rules of the road but a recent survey indicates teens are pretty clueless when it comes to car maintenance and safety checks on their vehicles. Failing to take care of a vehicle properly can increase the chances of being involved in a car accident in Miami, Fort Pierce, Weston or elsewhere in the state. Losing control of a vehicle from a tire blowout, brake failure or faulty system can lead to serious injury.
AutoMD released the results of a recent survey that indicated more than 65 percent of parents say their children have basic or average knowledge of general car maintenance. This concerns our car accident attorneys in Sunrise and Oakland Park because there’s probably some 35 percent of teenage drivers who don’t know much about basic vehicle maintenance, and they should. This segment of drivers typically turns to parents, who probably don’t have much more than basic knowledge of vehicle maintenance and inspection techniques.
The National Organizations for Youth Safety has tried to simplify car maintenance for teens by establishing a back-to-school car care checklist. The onus is on parents to ensure their teen driver is riding in a safe, reliable model car, but the teen should be responsible for routine maintenance. The following are some pointers emphasized in the checklist:
-Review the owner’s manual to learn what indicators and warning lights mean. If a light remains illuminated on the dashboard, a mechanic should take a look at the vehicle as soon as possible.
-Learn how to check fluid levels and check the battery in your vehicle. If the date code stamp located on top of the battery indicates it is more than 3 years old, have the battery tested by a repair shop to see if it needs to be replaced.
-While you have your hood open, turn on the vehicle with the fans running and listen for strange noises. If you hear screeching or odd sounds, have the car checked. A belt or a fan may need to be replaced.
-Check the tire treads and pressure monthly. Make sure the spare tire has sufficient air, and that a lug wrench and jack are available in the trunk in case you get a flat tire.
-Remove any garbage inside the vehicle to avoid an empty can or bag from impeding brake or acceleration action.
In response to teens needing to gain more knowledge about car maintenance and repair based on the results of the survey, AutoMD created a Teen Driver Car Maintenance and Repair Guide . Teen drivers can download it to help learn more about how to keep their vehicle running smoothly and be safer on roadways. The guide provides drivers with a vehicle diagram that can be used in conjunction with the owner’s manual. It also provides do-it-yourself repair instructions and maintenance checklist. The guide will also teach teens some nifty tricks and tips on repairing the vehicle, as well as car repair safety sto help avoid being injured. The guide also discusses roadside safety tips in case of a break down on the road.
Teens who become book smart about car maintenance and repair are encouraged to take the car maintenance quiz to earn a certificate of commitment. Knowing what to do and what to look for can give teen drivers and their family some peace of mind.
If you or someone you know has been involved in a teen car accident in Margate, Coral Springs, Pompano Beach or the surrounding areas, contact the car accident attorneys at Freeman, Mallard, Sharp & Gonzalez, LLC for a free and confidential appointment. Call 1-800-561-7777.
More Blog Entries:
West Palm Beach Teen Car Accidents Can be Minimized by Gaining Driver Knowledge and Driving Experience, Fort Lauderdale Car Accident Attorney Blog, August 29, 2011.
State Neglects to Campaign Against Distracted Driving Car Accidents in Florida, Fort Lauderdale Car Accident Attorney Blog, July 27, 2011.