Dagley Insurance Blog

According to a recent report from KSAT Texas News, San Antonio police said a local teenager went joyriding late Wednesday night and slammed a car into the back of a garage.

The crash happened near the Lee Hall Street and Muriel intersection around 11 p.m. and

Police have reason to suspect that the teen took the car without permission, from his grandmother.

The unnamed teen lost control of the vehicle; ran over a basketball goal and a fence—all before he crashed into the garage and came to a complete stop, propped up on two wheels. Thankfully, no one was injured. As of yet, police have not said why the teen lost control of the vehicle.

Image via www.ksat.com

As of right not, the accident seemed to be something that may have been easily prevented if the necessary safety precautions were taken—forcing Texas parents to reflect upon teen driver safety.

Auto accidents are the leading cause of death for U.S. teens, accounting for more than one in three deaths. As a parent, outlining your safety expectations, the rules of the road, and potential consequences upfront with your teen driver is the first step toward initiating potentially lifesaving conversations with your child.

Here are some critical points you should make clear before handing over the keys:

Silence Cell Phones – According to Good Housekeeping, chit-chatting on a mobile device and texting gives your teen driver the reaction time of a 70 year-old

Limit Late-Night Cruising – New drivers are twice as likely to get into an auto accident at night (9 p.m. to 6 a.m.) as compared to during the day; so set an early curfew. Many towns have even begun setting curfews for teen drivers, requiring they are off the roads by nightfall.

Know the Speed Limit – Speeding accounts for roughly 44% of fatalities among 15-20 year-olds so make sure your teen knows the speed limits around your neighborhood and in town. Set a positive example and be sure that you follow the speed limits too!

Always Buckle Up – There’s absolutely no reason not to—seatbelts can lower the risk of dying in a car accident by 45%; so have your child agree that they will always wear one, even if it’s just for a short trip down the block.

Secure the Proper Auto Insurance – Making sure that your teen driver is fully protected with a dependable, all-inclusive Texas auto insurance policy is beyond crucial. Although their inexperience plays a huge role in their auto insurance premiums, there are ways to save—many insurance companies will offer discounts for completed Driver’s Education courses, safety classes and good grades. Keep in mind the kind of car your child drives also makes an impact—so opt for a practical, economic vehicle.