Insurance statistics tell a story most parents understand. Inexperience and immaturity make it much more likely that a teenage driver will have an accident than an adult.
A driver in the age group of 16-19 is FOUR times more likely to have an accident than an older adult and, in some states, a 16-year-old is TWENTY times more likely to have an accident. Here are some tips for parents of teens who are going to be driving this year. Experience shows that you can count on two factors: 1. Young drivers are going to make a few mistakes. 2. The dangers associated with a poorly maintained car are increased significantly by the driver's inexperience.
Fostering safe driving habits starts at home. Take the time to talk to your young driver about what you have learned in a lifetime of driving. Talk seriously about the dangers of driving, including driving under the influence, horseplay, etc. Use statistics from websites such as www.iii.org to impress upon them how dangerous driving can be.
Make sure they take their driver's education seriously. Talk to them about it. We participate in driver's education programs and occasionally host class visits to our shop and where we discuss the importance of the work we do to keep cars safe and running well.
You can also make sure the cars they drive are in the best possible shape to help them correct a mistake and avoid an accident. A preventable mechanical problem should never be the cause of an accident.
If you are a parent of a young driver or a young driver yourself, remember that taking care of a car means more than keeping it clean. A car can break down at the worst possible moment and in the worst situation.
To learn more about caring for that important symbol of teenage freedom, we suggest bringing your young driver in for a visit on the first Saturday of the month. We will show them the shop and talk about safety.
Remind your young driver to be alert for unusual noises, vibrations, leaks, and unusual odors. They are the first signs of problems that need attention.
High school students understand that being able to drive is an enormous personal freedom. Like all freedoms in life, it's one that comes with some important responsibilities. Now is the time for young drivers to develop good car care habits - habits that will pay off for years to come.
Knowing about vehicle maintenance will improve the chances for accident-free driving, but it is only one part of the equation. The websites listed below offer important information about how to help keep your young driver safe.
For example, Teen Driving Safety Contracts save lives. drivehomesafe.com has expertly pulled together everything you need to know about them. Teen Driver Contracts reduce conflicts between teens and parents when expectations aren't met, are misunderstood, or driving privileges have been abused. Everything you need to know is on this website.
The insurance that covers your teen is also very important. His or her driving the family can have a big impact on your rates, especially if they are involved in an accident.
Most of all, accident prevention and the overall safety of your young driver depends on letting them know that you are interested in making sure they make the most of their early driving experiences. What they learn from you will last a lifetime. We can help. Why not set an appointment to bring your young driver in for visit on the first Saturday of the month. We will tour the shop and offer a few lessens about maintenance and driving safety.
Web Resources for Parents and Teen Drivers
www.drivehomesafe.com
www.ins.state.il.us/autoinsurance/teen_auto.htm
www.superiorcarinsurance.com/CarInsurance/illinois.html
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