As a parent, it’s up to you to help your teens become safer drivers. Here are some suggestions :
Phase in driving privileges: Many states now have graduated licenses that phase in privileges to allow young drivers to build experience. If you don’t live in a graduated licensing state, do the job yourself. Limit driving with passengers and nighttime driving until you feel your teen can handle the additional responsibility.
Be clear with the rules: Be specific about the time they should be home, when and how many friends they can have in the car, and so on. You should always know where your new driver is going.
Spell out the consequences: Your teen needs to understand that if these obligations are not met, there will be consequences, including surrendering the car keys.
Educate them: Get your teen some supplemental driving instruction, whether it’s a one-time safety course or a full-fledged driving school.
Choosing a vehicle: Choose a midsize vehicle with important safety features such as air bags and antilock brakes, and the newest model your budget can afford since it will provide better protection in case of a crash. Check out the consumer information on car safety available from the U.S. Department of Transportation, theInsurance Information Institute, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and, of course, your Farmers agent.
Be sure to speak with McKinnon Insurance ahead of time about adding a teen driver to your policy and review your Auto insurance coverage annually.