Commonly Ticketed Vehicles

The common claim that faster sports cars receive more traffic tickets has recently been backed up by a yearlong research study. From this study it is easy to draw the conclusion that drivers of particularly speedy automobiles are more likely to misbehave on the highway.

From the findings of this study, meant to help insurance companies identify risks, Hummer SUV owners proved to be 4.63 times more likely to get a traffic ticket than the average driver. ISO Quality Planning in San Francisco is responsible for reviewing 1.7 million drivers’ records for the completion of this study. Among the most ticketed vehicles were well known fast cars like the 507 horsepower Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG, the Audi A4 sports sedan and the primarily younger driven Scion series of hip customizable joy rides.

There were some surprises in the top ticketed vehicle list like the Subaru Outback, Toyota Camry Solara and the Toyota Matrix. These modest automobiles do not exactly attract the most aggressive or rebellious drivers. On the other end of the spectrum, the Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban were among the least ticketed vehicles despite having almost identical mechanical characteristics as the infamous Hummer SUVs. Other less ticketed types of cars included Buicks, pickup trucks and minivans.

An ISO Quality Planning representative was glad to provide further insight on Hummer owners that can be drawn from the findings of this research study:

"The sense of power that Hummer drivers derive from their vehicle may be directly correlated with the number of violations they incur," said Raj Bhat, president of ISO Quality Planning. "Or perhaps Hummer drivers, by virtue of their driving position, are less likely to notice road hazards, signs, pedestrians and other drivers."

Insurance companies usually adhere to this risk assessment performed by ISO Quality Planning and enforce higher premiums for drivers who choose to own a Hummer or one of the Scion series. It makes sense that insures will want to adjust liability and collision coverage rates for vehicles that are prone to draw negative attention and are statistically proven to be involved in more accidents.

Source: http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Insurance/InsureYourCar/which-drivers-get-the-most-tickets.aspx?GT1=33004

Acting Your Age Behind the Wheel

Naturally, teens are constantly cutting up and misbehaving while in the company of their friends but the driver seat is no place for practical jokes. The World Health Organization found the leading cause of death for teens fifteen to nineteen to be traffic accidents. It may be no surprise to most that teens engage in reckless behavior but when it come to driving this adolescent activity should not be overlooked. Common misconduct by these young drivers includes speeding and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Combining this with inexperience and lack of awareness of highway conditions makes teen traffic accidents inevitable.

When teen drivers are accompanied by their friends in the vehicle they are even more likely to harm themselves or others. With just one more passenger in the automobile, a teen driver doubles their chances of a fatal car crash. This proves that passengers also play an important part on the road. So when you are riding shotgun be sure to minimize any distractions to the driver and speak up if you think your chauffeur is acting carelessly.

Source: http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1590/is_3_64/ai_n27391221?tag=content;col1

Driving Financial Responsibility

Reports show that the best time to teach kids about the importance of smart money management is when they start driving. Contrary to popular belief, over three quarters of teens actually contribute to the cost of their driving privileges. Almost half of these young drivers handle the payment of their own fuel expenses. As these regular costs become more evident to them as growing young adults, teen drivers will need adequate fiscal guidance from their parents.

Parents and teens reach a consensus on the idea that gaining a drivers license is an opportunity for the teen to become more responsible. Unfortunately, the parents are still the only ones with any idea about budgeting or finances. This means that parents must start from square one with their teens. Maintaining open lines of communication is always important when dealing with teens. Rules and restrictions must be laid out so that parents and their teens can reach common ground. It is important for parents to encourage teen drivers to practice prudent budgeting habits and strive for a strong financial foundation.

Source: http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0EIN/is_2008_Feb_12/ai_n24258228?tag=content;col1

Good Grades Earn a Drivers License

The current legal age requirement for a drivers license is sixteen years old. Some believe teen driving eligibility should not be determined on age alone. One idea is to bring a teen's grade point average into the picture. For example, students with a gpa of 3.0 or better can get their license at 16 but if they have a 2.0 through 2.9 it will be another year until they are on the road. Even worse, if a student has a gpa less than 2.0 they will have to wait for their eighteenth birthday to earn a drivers license.

This seems to directly tie poor driving skills and behavior to bad grades in school. Under these terms, underachieving teens will most likely be catching rides with their more studious classmates until their senior year in high school. During this time supporters of this restriction would assume that these misfits teens would pick up on the better driving practices from their friends in the driver seat. To go further, teen drivers not only have to break into the 3.0 gpa range but maintain this level of scholastic honor or have their driving privileges revoked. It's not likely that is rule would solve all the teen driving issues on the highway but may help convince young drivers that a license is not entirely a right but more of a privilege.

Source: http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4188/is_20080209/ai_n21305610?tag=content;col1

Student Friendly Drivers Education

Advances in driver education now allow students to take the course online. This helps a large number of students complete driver training despite the remote location of their residence or lack of spare time in their schedule. Learning to drive properly is key to maintaining public safety on roads and highways.

Online driver education teaches students to react to dangerous hazards they may encounter while driving. This type of training is valuable to all drivers because anyone may need to increase their confidence and awareness as a safe driver.

Drivers ed online is highly favorable to the student because it requires far less commitment of a physical class room course. Most online classes permit students to log in and out of their account on the website to stop or start the training as their schedule permits. Driver ed online also saves time because they do not have to drive back and forth to a permanent location.

Learning to drive online makes it easier to complete the course and earn a learner’s permit. Students feel more comfortable taking the course online and become stable drivers who help make the highway environment safer. Since these courses are readily updated, students will gain relevant knowledge about current laws and regulations.

Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?Drivers-Education-Online&id=354539