Cell phones: a major cause for distracted driving
Cell phones and cars are a hot topic right now. It’s called distracted driving (check here for more background) and can be very dangerous but at the same time, cell phone communication is essential in today’s world. We are all connected at once so to not be available to take a call is rarely seen. Some states have ignored cell phone enthusiasts and completely outlawed handheld use on roads. This means that someone can still use a hands free device like a Bluetooth to talk. It’s the best of both world legislators argue. But what about beginning drivers? More states are apt to outlaw cell phones for new drivers simply because they lack the necessary experience of handling a car that might spin out of control.
Currently at least 30 states and the District of Columbia have banned cell phone use and South Dakota will soon join that group. In a 7-1 vote, InsuranceJournal.com reported that the Senate Transportation Committee passed a “package of recommendations that would ban beginning drivers from using cell phones behind the wheel and make other changes aimed at reducing teen traffic fatalities and serious injuries. “ Only when a South Dakota teen reached 16 and possessed an unrestricted license would a cell phone be allowed. While 16 may seem old to have an unrestricted driver’s license, it’s only because teens start driving earlier in South Dakota. If you are 14 years old, you can obtain a learning permit. This was primarily put in place due to the nature of the state. Agriculture is a big business in South Dakota and many people need their children to help out on the farms. When you’ve got hundreds of acres to cover, it’s helpful to have a child that knows how to drive.
Just because there’s a good reason behind a rule doesn’t mean that it’s keeping teens safe. The Teen Driving Task which recommended the package to the South Dakota legislature claims that the state has a “high rate of fatal crashes among young drivers, and young South Dakota drivers are more likely to have accidents than older drivers.” No matter where you live, if you have a teen that will start driving soon, your hair is probably turning gray as you read this. The thought of your teenager behind the wheel is enough to drive you crazy, not to mention the upward spiral your insurance rates take. But if you can work with your teen on their safe driving skills and make sure they use common sense when behind the wheel, your insurance rates will eventually level off again.
Keeping Your Teen Driver Safe
Several programs have been rolled out in the US to increase teen drivers' safety
As a teen reaches their licensing age, you can almost cut the excitement in the air with a knife. It’s something they’ve been dreaming about for a long time and probably something you’ve been dreading. Many states now have graduated forms of licensing for young drivers which tries to ensure they have the maximum amount of experience before they are let out on the road alone. As your teen starts to approach the permitted age, make sure you are aware of the different levels of licensing and what each requires. Your teen will most likely go through a driver’s education program at their school and have some type of behind the wheel training but this isn’t all they need. States will require a certain amount of logged hours behind the wheel with a licensed adult, and as a parent that responsibility normally falls on you. Make sure you are setting a positive example as well.
There are a few different things you can watch for when you’re riding with your child. It may be your first instinct when your teen is behind the wheel but make sure everyone in the car is buckled up at all times. Teens may not view as the ‘cool’ thing to do but it can save a life. Watch the speed limit as well. Excessive speeds can lead to a more serious crash if a car careens out of
control. Other restrictions teenagers normally face are limits on passengers and driving at night. If your teenager tries to tell you otherwise, it’s best to check the state rules before you hand them the keys.
Keeping Your Insurance Safe
When your teen starts driving, it’s time to change your insurance. Adding your child may hurt your wallet but you want to make sure you do everything you can to protect them on the road. Also, if your insurance company found out that a teen was driving your car uninsured, it could lead to cancellation. We understand your hesitancy. A teenager and the risk they hold make insurance companies nervous so they charge a much higher premium. Research has shown that out of any other demographic studied, teens are the most dangerous, riskiest drivers on the road. That means that in between abrupt stops and slow trips, you will also be paying much higher insurance rates.
But you do it because you love your child. There are several ways you can save on your insurance though. If your child gets good grades, it might get you a discount as well as designating an older car for the learning period. Ask your insurance company what you can do to save money and ensure your teen’s safety. You might be able to save enough to buy a
box of hair color.
