Automobile accidents are the No. 1 cause of death of American teens, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Prevent your teen from becoming another statistic by making these upgrades to their vehicle to ensure they are safe on the road.
Vehicle Tracking System
There are a variety of aftermarket options available, but one that stands out from the crowd is Hum by Verizon. This simple system includes a small port that you plug into the vehicle’s on-board diagnostics system, a Bluetooth speaker that clips to the visor for hands-free calling and an intuitive companion app. Access real-time vehicle location details from the companion app, as well as set boundary alerts and speed alerts.
Your teen can receive roadside help or emergency assistance in the event of an accident with the push of a button located on the visor speaker. Hum also provides diagnostic information and maintenance alerts to keep your car running smoothly.
New Tires
Worn-out tires can lead to flats and blowouts, which can result in major accidents if these incidents occur on a freeway or when traveling at high speeds. Before handing your teen the car keys, make sure their car tires are in top condition. Teach your teen how to check this on their own using a quarter to gauge the depth of the tire tread. If the tread is below George Washington’s head, with the quarter inserted head first, then it’s time to start shopping for a new set of tires.
When shopping for tires, make sure you invest in a solution that meets your specific needs. For instance, with winter just around the corner and if your teen will be driving in snowy conditions, you should invest in a set of winter tires. While many people like to believe all-season tires are sufficient for these conditions, they are really only effective in very light snow. Unfortunately, this doesn’t include the slush and ice that often accompanies winter weather. In fact, most all-season tires are not safe to drive on in temperatures 45 degrees and lower.
Dash Cam
While a dash cam may seem a little extreme, especially if you completely trust your teen, don’t write this upgrade off just yet. A dash cam is a constant reminder that you could be watching what your teen is doing, and that in itself is an excellent deterrent to prevent speeding, tailgating or any other risky behaviors. And, in the event of an accident, a dash cam can provide authorites with helpful evidence to back up your teen’s story of what happened.
Thinkware’s F750 is one dash cam that does more than just allow you to see what’s going on in the car. It also has a ton of safety features, like a lane departure warning system, forward collision warning system and alerts for red-light cameras and speed cameras. All footage can be accessed on your computer or through Thinkware’s mobile app.
Ignition Interlock Device
While you and your teen may have a clear understanding that drinking and driving is completely unacceptable, one of the only ways to truly prevent this is by installing an ignition interlock device in their vehicle. If you’re concerned your teen is engaging in underage drinking, this is an effective way to ensure they don’t make the decision to drive impaired.
With an ignition interlock device installed, the vehicle will not start if the device detects any alcohol on the driver’s breath. Intoxalock makes an affordable device marketed specifically to parents in order to prevent their teens from driving under the influence of alcohol.
