Parent Talk / December 2005
Drive-On
There are thousands of teenagers hoping there will be a set of car keys under the tree with their name on them.
Parents who have been pricing a car for Christmas may know that young drivers pay more for their auto insurance than other drivers because, as a group they are involved in significantly more accidents than other drivers. But, all young drivers don’t pay the same rates.
The vehicle selection, driving style, maintenance, insurance amounts and place of residence are all important factors in what it will cost for a young driver.
Keeping a clean driving record and completing a driver training course can lower insurance rates.
Vehicle maintenance means safer driving, which reduces accidents. Teach teens to keep headlights clean since even a thin layer of dirt lowers their effectiveness. Driving style has a large influence on the life and condition of the braking system. Help them make certain brake shoes or pads are replaced as needed and keep rotors and drums resurfaced.
Tires can be expensive but worn tires don’t grip the road properly, which can cause accidents. Replace tires in pairs, on the front or rear axle. Keep the best tires on the front. Young drivers should understand that burning rubber and failure to maintain proper tire inflation can create engine wear and will significantly reduce the life of the tire, and perhaps the driver.
Excessive engine revving and speed shifting can damage a car’s belts, engine time and compression and transmission performance which can make for dangerous driving conditions.
All vehicles are not created equal. Vehicles designed for speed with a history of more claims than other vehicles will always equal higher insurance premium. On the bright side, certain safety features and theft prevention devices may qualify young drivers for insurance discounts.
Check the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, www.nhtsa.dot.gov and the USAA Education Foundation, www.usaaedfoundation.org for more vehicle safety information.
Copyright © 2005-2006 A Woman's View. All rights reserved.
Femme Fair 2006
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