Advanced Devices Help Teen Drivers

Posted in Auto Insurance

September 18th, 2009

Are you a parent with a teen – or, heaven help you, teens – who are about to start driving? If so, you’re probably worried about what could happen to them out on the road. Sure you’ve got them covered with the right auto insurance, but nevertheless, teens have a higher-than-average accident rate, and who knows what can happen as they discover their training wheels. Recently, however, science has come to the aid of parents everywhere with the invention of a device that will soon be common in all Ford, Mercury and Lincoln car models: a key which limits car speed as well as music volume. This device, called MyKey, could have a big impact on auto insurance rates for teens.

MyKey from Ford

The MyKey device from Ford could lower car insurance rates for young drivers because of its preventative features. Besides controlling maximum speeds – limiting the car’s velocity to 80 mph, and warning drivers of speed increases at 45, 55 and 65 mph – the MyKey device also comes with a traction-control device that prevents aggressive driving and dangerous stunts, such as doughnuts and spins. With the MyKey device installed, parents won’t be the only ones breathing a huge sigh of relief: auto insurance providers will also be relieved to know that MyKey will go a long way in preventing aggressive, dangerous driving impulses, and hence will lower the rate of teenage driving accidents. With so many car insurance claims being filed because of teen-instigated accidents, that means their costs will go down too.

Of course, the MyKey device needs to get out on the road and deliver on its safety potential before auto insurance rates for teens will fall, but there’s a good chance that the device will help. Many other devices, such as anti-lock brakes, have been added to car safety precautions and the result has been lowered auto insurance prices. While there are no guarantees, of course, the MyKey is a welcome invention nonetheless.