Spring Break is here for colleges and universities all over the southeast! Over the next few weeks, students will be hitting the highway to come home, or heading out on an adventure with friends and classmates. When your college student is behind the wheel, it can be nerve-racking as a parent. Even though you can’t be with them all of the time, preparing them for what might come their way on the road can give you some peace of mind. Make sure your student remembers:
- to bring their current insurance information. Double check that your student has their current insurance card printed (and in their wallet) and/or glove compartment in their car. If they don’t have it, most companies make it easy to print off copies online now with the appropriate verification information. Proof of insurance is needed in the event of an accident, or if they are pulled and are asked for insurance information.
- how to use roadside assistance. Many auto insurance providers offer policies that include some type of roadside assistance program, and while it’s quickly becoming the norm for all policies, it’s worth checking in detail before your student is on the highway. Even if your insurance company says they offer some type of roadside assistance, you need to know exactly what they’re willing to do so you can pass the info onto your student. For young drivers, a policy that includes services such as changing flat tires, sending out a locksmith, repairing a broken windshield, etc. can be very helpful, and can offer some peace of mind to you as you wait for your teen to arrive at his or her destination.
- how to handle towing. Does your policy cover emergency towing? This is another important feature for a young driver, especially if they are traveling a long distance (2 hours or more) to come home or to take a road trip. If they break down, you don’t want them depending on passerby or waiting for hours on the side of a busy road. Having professional towing services covered by your insurance means they get picked up quickly, their car will be taken somewhere reputable, and you can feel good knowing that they are safe.
- how to drive defensively. While your student might not be making trouble, there are plenty of other students on Spring Break who are using it as an excuse to party hard. That means drivers under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol will be a much more likely occurrence, and your student could be at risk of an accident. Remind your child to watch for telltale signs (like cars driving excessively slow/fast, swerving, continually braking, etc.) and how to get out of a dangerous situation before a collision by driving defensively. This is a great opportunity for the conversation about why you should NEVER get behind the wheel after consuming alcohol.
We hope your student has a safe travel from the dorms to your driveway, or wherever the road may take them over Spring Break. Remember to mask up, stay safe, and if they are involved in an accident, your family doesn’t have to suffer or walk the journey alone. When the unexpected happens, you know to call Sessums Law Group, because WE STAND FOR YOU!