Kids grow up fast. One day they are riding in the car seat behind you and the next day they are behind the wheel. Driving a car is a big deal. Watching your teen get behind the wheel of a 4,000 pound machine is scary. So, what can you do to help your teen learn to be a safe driver? How can you help protect them when they are on their own on the roadways? Read on to learn about teenSMART—a program to train young drivers that may give you a break on your car insurance premiums too!
What is teenSMART?
teenSMART is a software-based training program designed by scientists and doctors to reduce crashes. The program was designed to be engaging to teenagers, using video and driving simulations that give the program a video game feel. There are also a workbook and hands-on driving exercises to complete for both teens and their parents. The goal is to compress several years of driving experience into a short time frame for new drivers.
Does it work? According to the company behind teenSMART, they have data showing a 30% reduction in crashes related to use of the program.
What does teenSMART teach?
The teenSMART course uses behavioral science to teach safe driving. Teenagers, as new drivers, have special considerations when it comes to practicing safe driving. The skills needed are not yet fully developed and while they could learn these skills on their own, over time, teenSMART takes a proactive approach to educating teens that reduces accidents.
teenSMART focuses on six main causes of crashes:
- Visual search
- Hazard detection
- Speed adjustment
- Space management
- Risk perception
- Lifestyle issues
Teens who take the course learn how important awareness is when driving, as well as the very real consequences of things like not wearing a seatbelt, texting while driving, speeding, maintaining a safe distance between cars and hazard recognition. The program also addresses attitude while driving and the problems around road rage. Essentially, teenSMART is aimed at giving your teen the skills they need to prevent accidents.
How Can teenSMART Save Money on Car Insurance?
Data show that there can be a 10 to 30 percent reduction in accidents among those who have taken the teenSMART program. Insurance companies are paying attention, with several major companies now offering discounts for those who finish the teenSMART course. This means that the course can actually pay for itself in less than six months. This is a big deal for parents, as teen driver car insurance policies are usually much more costly than other auto insurance coverages.
If your insurance carrier isn’t offering discounts for teenSMART, you may want to shop around for one that does. InsuranceWins can help you find the savings with our simple form. Use it to obtain quotes from several insurance companies and then compare discounts for teenSMART. Your teen can drive safer while you save money!
