As a parent, when your teen starts driving it can be one of the scariest moments. Although you cannot control everything, you can help make sure they are safe by picking out the right vehicle for them. Making sure a vehicle has 3 basic features can help ensure your teen stays safe on the road.
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC) – this is a computer system that can help prevent a car from spinning out or plowing straight off the road. Although ESC cannot replace any drivers training, it does help stabilize the vehicle. ESC first came about in the 1980s but was not required on vehicles until 2012.
- Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) – this prevents all four wheels from locking up at the same time, allowing the driver to still maintain control of the vehicle. The government required that all cars after 2012 need to be equipped with ABS.
- Airbags – most cars have usual frontal airbags, but it was not until 1998 that it was federally required. This law also requires cars to have side-impact airbags.
Make sure that your teen knows about basic vehicle maintenance, such as oil changes and tire pressure. Tires are the most important part of vehicle safety, since it is the only part of the car that touches the road. Make sure your teen knows how to check the tire pressure and make sure it is at the manufacturers recommended pressure. They should also know how to check the tire tread using a quarter. Put the quarter, Washington’s head down, into the shallowest groove. If you can see most of Washington’s wig, it is time to replace you tires.
When it comes to buying insurance for your teen, Mike Leonard Insurance Agency, located in Carrollton, Texas, can help you find the best plan to fit all of your needs. They are an independent insurance agency that can help you find the right policy for the right price.