Salt Lake City, Utah 2/25/2010 6:10:17 AM
News / Business

Educate Teens about the Importance of Safety Behind the Wheel

Teaching teens the importance of operating a vehicle safely and helping them to understand how serious of a responsibility it is being in control of an automobile can help keep them safe as motorists and help keep the cost of auto insurance down; drivers under the age of 25 are often considered to be a higher risk to insure and subsequently pay higher rates for automobile coverage.

The American Academy of Pediatrics has stated that one third of deaths of those between the age of 16 and 20 are caused by motor vehicle accident; with these staggering statistics it is extremely important to educate these younger motorists about the dangers they may face on the road and explain appropriate behavior behind the wheel to help lower these fatality rates.

The price of car insurance for teenagers can be quite expensive and the major reason is due to the statistical likelihood of them being involved in traffic accident. Drivers between the ages of 16 and 19 are four times more likely to have an accident than more mature motorists, but if these youths can be taught the importance of safety as an operator these numbers can reduced as well as the cost of coverage.

Setting rules for teen drivers is also a good idea to limit their time on the road and keep them safer. By visiting http://www.insurance.utah.gov/auto/teendriver.html  consumers can view tips from the National Association of Insurance Commissioner for some ground rules that should be set. One of the most important rules listed is limiting the number of passengers that a teen can have in the vehicle. Many accidents are caused by a driver being distracted; having a car full of teens can easily distract a young and inexperienced motorist.

Insuring a teenager will be costly, but parents should make sure that the youth understands that poor driving habits will only raise premiums. If the teen receives a citation for breaking a traffic law, proper disciplinary action should be taken such as taking away driving privileges and/or making them pay the citation. Teenagers must understand that breaking traffic laws will not only raise insurance rates, but will also put them in danger of being in an accident.

For more information regarding teen drivers, consumers can visit http://www.onlineautoinsurance.com/teenagers/ for statistics, tips to finding lower coverage and free auto insurance quotes from a variety of carriers.