BOISE – As students head off to colleges and universities across the country, AAA is sharing tips with parents to help their college kids have a safe driving experience.
“It’s always a good idea to complete a policy review with your insurance agent for any major life changes, including when a college student takes a vehicle with them to school,” says AAA Idaho public affairs director Matthew Conde. “You might need to make some changes in primary drivers, and you may also be able to use your student’s grades to obtain an insurance discount. Also, minimum liability insurance varies from state to state, and ensuring adequate coverage is very important.”
Here are some additional tips for parents:
- Ask your student to check and maintain tire pressure – once a month is a good practice.
- Send your child to college with a vehicle emergency kit – including a flashlight with extra batteries, jumper cables, flares or reflectors, an emergency blanket, a first-aid kit, and basic tools.
- Set up calendar reminders on your student’s phone or email for regular vehicle maintenance, including oil changes.
- Remind your student to never drive while distracted, drowsy, or impaired, and to avoid other risky behaviors like speeding and aggressive driving. Encourage the use of seat belts for everyone in the vehicle.
AAA recommends finding a repair shop near the school so that students can easily get help with any mechanical issues. AAA has more than 7,000 Approved Auto Repair facilities in North America. For more information, visit AAA.com/autorepair.