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Tips to Keep Your Teen Driver Safe

If your teen is ready to earn their driving license, you might be worrying about what can go wrong. Fortunately, there are several things you can do to minimize the chances of an accident. To learn about your options for auto insurance in Los Angeles, get in touch with Grand Mutual Insurance today!

The following tips can help you keep your teen driver safe:

  • Make sure the vehicle is safe. This stands whether your teen is still learning or already has his or her license. Always make sure that the vehicle is in good condition. If necessary, take it in for a tune-up before letting your teen take the wheel. This will minimize the chances of an accident happening due to a mechanical failure.
  • Enroll your teen in a recognized drivers education course, a safe driver program and a graduated drivers license program. The Insurance Information Institute advises that it’s helpful to ensure your teen driver gets instruction and experience before being allowed to drive by him- or herself. A drivers education course will teach them how to respond to situations on the road. A safe driver program involves a contract requiring your teen to meet certain conditions designed to promote safe driving — such as not driving with friends in the car. In addition, a graduated drivers license program helps your teen gain more experience by restricting certain activities — for example, driving without a supervising adult — until he or she has been licensed for a predetermined period of time.
  • Leverage your car’s technology. Many newer vehicles offer technology that can help you eliminate dangerous driving practices. For example, Ford MyKey® allows you to limit driving speed, restrict the radio volume and mandate the use of a seatbelt.
  • Discuss the dangers of driving under the influence. If your teen understands the consequences of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, he or she may be less inclined to take the wheel unless completely sober. Take some time to have a serious discussion about how alcohol and drugs impair driving skills and how impaired driving can result in often fatal accidents. For example, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 29 people die every day due to accidents that involve alcohol-impaired drivers. A total of 16 percent of crashes involve drugs. In 2016, more than a million drivers were arrested for DUIs.
  • Discuss irresponsible driving habits. Texting, talking on the phone, eating and otherwise distracted driving contribute to numerous accidents each day, as does speeding. Talk to your teen about behaviors to avoid while driving. Explain clearly why it’s so important to focus and comply with traffic rules.

Auto Insurance in Los Angeles

It’s definitely a scary experience when your teen driver gets behind the wheel for the first time. By taking measures to teach them responsible driving habits from the start, you can keep them safe on the road. For more on auto insurance in Los Angeles, contact the experts at Grand Mutual.

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