5 Upgrades to Make Your Car Safer For Your Kids
Driving a car or any other type of vehicle is a serious matter, especially when your child is behind the wheel. While you should be aware of driving rules and regulations, you should also ensure your vehicle is as safe as possible. According to a 2019 study by the Buhl Foundation, on average, the driver’s licenses of over 57,000 18 to 24-year-olds in Pennsylvania are suspended every year. Such suspensions could easily be avoided by proper driving and vehicle maintenance. Read on about the main upgrades you can do to ensure you’re taking the proper car safety precautions.
1. Rearview Camera
If you bought a new car or you plan to buy one in the future, it may come with a rearview camera already installed. However, if you’re driving an older car, you’ll have to get this type of camera installed. The use of this camera allows you to always see what’s behind you, which is imperative, especially when you’re in tight spaces like parking lots and dark areas. When driving with your teen, be sure to advise them to avoid as many blindspots as possible to maintain car safety at all times.
2. Hands-free Calling
Texting or talking on your cell phone while paying attention to the road don’t mix. Drivers talking or texting on the phone have often resulted in preventable collisions. According to Bankrate, economic costs were $1,750,000 for a fatal car accident and $101,000 for a disabling injury in 2020. These costs included wage losses, medical expenses, administrative expenses, motor vehicle damage, and employers’ uninsured costs. No cell phone call is worth those expenses, injuries, or fatalities. Luckily, you can upgrade the car with a hands-free calling system. That way, if you ever need to give your child a call while they’re on the road, they can still keep both hands on the wheel.
3. Adjusted Seats
When you operate a vehicle, you want to be as comfortable as possible. The last thing you want is to create back or wrist pain. You also want your feet to reach the pedals to operate the car as efficiently as possible. If you’re having problems with your seat, adjust it to a comfortable height where you can comfortably reach the wheel and the brakes with ease.
4. New Tires
The part of your car that probably sees the most or the fastest wear and tear is your tires. An estimated 88.5 million metric tons of cement were produced in the U.S. in 2018. If your car ever has to drive over such cement or other tough pavement, your tires must be up for the task. That’s why you should always test the tread wear on your tires. An easy way to do so is by using the penny method. Of course, you can also take your car to the auto shop so that a professional mechanic can rotate your tires, check the tread, or replace the tires as needed.
5. Brake Parts
Having functional brakes is imperative for car safety. Any part of your brakes can become worn down, whether it’s the brake lines, pads, or rotors. When you bring your car in for regular maintenance, your local mechanic can check your brakes and replace what’s needed. Consider upgrading your brakes, as this will help your teen stop faster in emergency situations. If you haven’t yet, consider car insurance for a new car.
It’s your responsibility to keep your car safe, especially for your teen. When they hit the road, your safety and the safety of other drivers are always at stake. That’s why, in addition to responsible driving, you want a vehicle that’s in compliance with current state and national laws. If you’re unsure what to look for, you can always bring your car in for regular tune-ups so a mechanic can check that everything is up to speed.