Parents, It's Time to Have "The Talk" With Your Teen Driver

Not that talk. The one about what to do after a car wreck.


We spend hours teaching our teens how to drive - but many young drivers have never been told what to do after a collision. 


A wreck can be frightening for anyone. For a new driver, the stress, confusion, and adrenaline can make it difficult to think clearly. A short conversation now can help your teenager respond safely and responsibly when it matters most. 


Teach Your Teen to Be S.A.F.E.

S - Stay Safe

Move out of immediate danger when it is safe to do so. 


Turn on the vehicle's hazard lights. Check yourself, your passengers, and the occupants of the other vehicle for injuries. Call 911 when anyone may be injured, the vehicles, cannot be safely moved, traffic is obstructed, or the situation feels unsafe.


Remind your teen:

Cars can be replaced. People cannot.


A - Avoid Arguments and Admissions

Stay Calm. Be respectful. Do not argue about who caused the wreck. 


Your teen should not accuse the other driver, speculate about what happened, or apologize in a way that could be interpreted as accepting responsibility. Remember, even a well-intentioned statement may be misunderstood later. 

A usefule rule to remember is:

The roadside is not the courtroom.

Let the police, insurance companies, and available evidence address questions of fault. 


F - Photograph the Scene

When it is safe, use your phone to photograph or record:

Photographs should be taken before the vehicles are moved when the safety and traffic conditions permit. 

One minute of photographs can answer questions months later. 


E - Exchange Information and Call Home

Get the names and contact information of any witnesses. 

Exchange names, telephone numbers, driver's-license information, vehicle information, and insurance information with the other driver. 

Then call a parent or trusted adult. 

Do not post photographs, comments, jokes, or updates about the wreck on social media. Your teen should not tell friends or followers that everyone is "fine" before injuries and circumstances have been fully evaluated. 

Parents should hear about the wreck before followers do.


What Parents Should Say Tonight

"Being safe matters more to me than the car. If you are ever in a wreck, take a breath. Check whether anyone is hurt. Call 911 when necessary. Do not argue or admit fault. Take pictures of everything, exchange information, and call me. We will figure out the rest together."

Your teen will roll their eyes (we know this).

Have the conversation anyway.


After the Wreck

Some injuries are not immediately apparent. Adrenaline can temporarily mask pain and other symptoms. If your child feels pain, dizziness, confusion, numbness, or anything unusual, seek appropriate medical attention. 

Keep copies of photos, reports, medical information, insurance correspondence, and other records associated with the collision. 


Save the S.A.F.E. Method

S - Stay Safe

A - Avoid Arguments and Admissions

F - Photograph the Scene

E - Exchange Information and Call Home

Preparation cannot prevent every wreck. It can help your teen respond more safely, calmly, and responsibly after one. 



Questions after a collision? Speak with our office before making decisions that may affect your family.