UNT/TWU Student Safety Checklist
The excitement of new student arrivals to the University of North Texas creates quite a buzz in our quiet little town. There is a lot to accomplish before sending your child out on their own for the first time. Their biggest asset on this new journey is transportation!
The first step is visiting your local repair shop for a good tune-up. A mechanic will check the tires for air and tread, and make sure all important fluids are clean and filled correctly. This is the time to replace windshield wipers and check the brake pads. If your student will be traveling out of state, here are tips to ensure they have all the information and tools necessary for a safe trip.
New in Town?
Compile a list of important addresses and contacts for easy reference in a new city:
-Auto insurance companies
-Public transportation options
-Local towing and tire repair centers
-Reputable auto repair shop
-Local radio stations/news/weather (in case the power goes out)
Survive the Drive
He or she will be a long way from home, so it is a good idea that they learn now how to do basic preventative care.
Show your student how fill the tires with air at a gas station, and how to use a tire gauge to prevent a flat. Put together an emergency kit in the trunk so they are prepared in the event of a breakdown or bad weather (welcome to Texas!):
1. Solar phone charger and some hidden cash
2. Flat tire sealant and jumper cables
3. Quart of oil
4. Bottled water and non-perishable snacks like granola
5. Travel first aid kit
6. Inexpensive walking shoes (they won't get far in flip flops!)
7. Umbrella and flashlight
8. Good old fashioned road map (our long country roads don't get good cell service)
9. Ice Scraper (snow is rare, icy windsheilds are not)
The Top 2 main causes of engine trouble are overheating or low oil.
The temperature gauge on the dashboard is their first line of defense. When the car is overheating it is usually because of low coolant or electrical fans not running properly. Pull over immediately and turn OFF the A/C! Now turn on the heater to pull the hot air off the engine, and call a repair shop. Also teach them how to check their fluids frequently, and to correctly refill their own oil and radiator fluid.
Texas Weather Problems
We are known to have brief but severe bouts of weather that can impede travel.
Ice - It is a good idea to stash a pair of gloves in the emergency kit, because it's no fun scraping a windshield in the freezing rain. Kitty litter from the pantry can help give tires traction in an icy parking spot. School may still be in session - we follow the Dallas ISD school closings to find out if we should stay home.
Thunder Storms - Flash flooding is common in North Texas - and so is hydroplaning! During a heavy downfall our side streets will flood - so it is best to pull over and wait it out. Upload a weather app for the most accurate weather radar, and get familiar with a local news radio station in the event we lose power.
Ready, Set, Go!
Preparing for safe travel is essential to help them stay focused when trouble arises. A folder with contacts and a box of emergency supplies in the trunk will be a welcome resource. Oh, and throw in a collapsible laundry basket - they are going to need it for the long ride back home with a back seat full of dirty laundry!
Recommended Links:
Allgood Auto Repair and Service
Denton Main Street Association
UNT Division of Student Affairs
Denton County Transportation Authority
UNT/TWU Student Discount - 10% Off Labor
Allgood Auto Repair and Service
1032 Shady Oaks Drive Suite 201
Denton, Texas 76205
940-382-2222
