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Safe cars
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety advises parents
to choose a car for their teen by safety, not by image.
Small cars, for example, don’t offer the best protection
in an accident, sporty cars might encourage speeding,
and some trucks and SUV's are more prone to roll over -
insurance companies rate these vehicles
statistically on speeding tickets and accidents. Safety
factors can also mean the difference between an affordable
auto insurance
policy and auto insurance
rates that break the bank.
Parents sometimes have the misconception that an older, bigger
car will protect their teenager in a crash. However, today's
cars are better designed for crash protection and have more
safety features such as air bags and anti-lock brakes. Go for
the mid to full-size cars which provide more crash protection
than a small car. Check the safety ratings before you buy a
new car.
Auto Insurance Policy discounts for airbags
Because teenagers are much more likely to get in car accidents,
look for cars with good crash protection. It’s no coincidence
that a car with airbags, strong bumpers and a solid construction
will get better ratings from an insurance company – and
help keep your auto insurance rates down. Many insurance
companies offer premium discounts for cars with airbags.
Seat belts
Be diligent about making sure your teen wears the seat
belt. In some states, police can issue tickets for not
wearing
a seat belt, even if a driver does not commit any other
infraction. Safety and a clean driving record go hand-in-hand,
and are
rewarded by insurers.
Many other factors contribute to your teen being a safe new
driver. Use of a cell phone or eating while driving are distractions
that can lead to accidents. Parents must have zero tolerance
for teens using alcohol. They should consider restricting night
driving and whether their teen can have other teen passengers.
Teens might learn only the basics in a driver’s education
course, so parents should take the time to ride with a teen
who’s practicing, and let them test their skills under
many different conditions. Remember, too, that parents are
the main role models for teens, so your driving habits will
reflect on theirs.
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