Kentucky Teen Driving Week

Attorney General Conway Announces Support of National Teen Driver Safety Week

Attorney General Jack Conway today announced his support for National Teen Driver Safety Week to be held October 19-25, 2008. National Teen Driver Safety Week, observed each year during the third week of October, is designed to educate teens and raise awareness about the tragedy of teen vehicle crashes and encourage youth to drive more safely. This year’s theme, “Passengers,” focuses on increasing passenger awareness of how they may contribute to driver distraction.

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“Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for teens in the U.S. and in Kentucky. While teens represent only 6% of Kentucky drivers, they account for 19% of all people involved in injury collisions and 13% of those involved in fatal collisions in the state,” General Conway said.

Also troubling are the statistics on youth alcohol-related crashes. In 2007, 519 teenage drivers were involved in alcohol-related collisions resulting in 12 fatalities, half of which were the teenage driver. According to Kentucky State Police, 3,108 teen drivers between the ages of 16-19 were arrested last year for driving under the influence.

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“Working closely with victim’s advocacy groups such as Mothers Against Drunk Driving, our office knows all too well the heartbreak behind these statistics,” said General Conway, who is also a member of the National Association of Attorneys General’s Youth Access to Alcohol Committee. This committee works to keep alcohol out of the hands of minors.

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There are several important facts regarding the incidence of teens involved in vehicle crashes. Driver error or speeding is the leading cause of teen driver crashes. Cell phones, texting, food/beverage consumption and loud music are also dangerous distractions.

“Youth drivers need to know that the phone call and texting can wait. There is nothing more important than getting from point A to point B safely,” General Conway said.

Kentucky has taken steps forward in protecting teen drivers through its graduated teen-licensing law and increasing the time young drivers must have adult supervision.

“I also applaud the Kentucky State Police ‘Drive to Stay Alive’ program for teen drivers. However, more needs to be done to ensure students are aware of the severity of a vehicle crash and the very real consequences to themselves, their passengers and the general public of operating a vehicle in an unsafe manner,” General Conway said.

Attorney General Conway now asks that the public join him to help keep our teen drivers and our roadways safe.

“We all- federal, state, local governments and the public- need to support efforts to effectively educate teens and families about ways to address increased safety measures for teen drivers. Now is the time to talk with your children and grandchildren to prevent future tragedies.”

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Charlie Pinson Insurance KY, serves all of the Commonwealth including  Louisville  Lexington  and Pikeville. A Kentucky independent insurance agent, Charlie Pinson Insurance KY offers a variety of Kentucky Auto Insurance products from Progressive Drive Insurance, Safeco, Hartford, Farmers, Travelers, and Dairyland Sentry.

Kentucky Teen Drivers Keeping Young Drivers Safe

Kentucky Teenagers & Safe Cars

Learn about Safeco's Insurance Teensurance Safety Beacon

If your teenager has just gotten a driver's license, it may be hard to imagine handing over the keys to your brand new car, but that may be the smartest vehicle to choose.

The first years teenagers spend as drivers are very risky. In fact, teen drivers have the highest death rates of any age group. In 1997 alone, more than 5,700 teenagers died in motor vehicle crashes, and many more were left severely and permanently injured by crashes.

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While getting a driver's license is an exciting rite-of-passage for teens, it can be enough to make a parent frantic. However, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the Insurance Information Institute (I.I.I.) say there is something worried parents can do to protect their teens—choose a safe vehicle.

Avoid vehicles that encourage reckless driving. Teen drivers not only lack experience, but may also lack maturity. As a result, speeding and reckless driving are common.

Sports cars and other vehicles with high performance features, such as turbocharging, are likely to encourage speeding. Choosing a vehicle with a more sedate image will reduce the chances your teen will be in a speed-related crash.

Don't let your teen drive an unstable vehicle. Sport utility vehicles, especially the smaller ones, are inherently less stable than cars because of their higher centers of gravity. Abrupt steering maneuvers—the kind that can occur when teens are fooling around or over-correcting a driver error—can cause rollovers where a more stable car would, at worst, skid or spin out.

Pick a vehicle that offers good crash protection. Teenagers should drive vehicles that offer state-of-the-art protection in case they do crash.

Don't let your teen drive a small vehicle.Small vehicles offer much less protection in crashes than larger ones. However, this doesn't mean you should put your child in the largest vehicle you can find. Many mid- and full-size cars offer more than adequate crash protection. Check out the safety ratings for mid-size and larger cars.

Avoid older vehicles. Most of today's cars are better designed for crash protection than cars of six to ten years ago. For example, a newer, mid-size car with airbags would be a better choice than an older, larger car without airbags. Before you make a final choice on the car your teenager will drive, consult the U.S. Department of Transportation ( http://www.dot.gov ) or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety ( http://www.iihs.org ).

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7000 Drivers Cited in Kentucky Click It or Ticket

KSP Writes Over 7,000 Seat Belt Citations During 'Click It or Ticket' Campaign

Date of News Release: 06/10/08

(Frankfort, KY) - The Kentucky State Police announced that as a result of its seatbelt enforcement efforts, 7,021 seat belt and 223 child restraint citations were issued to unrestrained motorists during the national 'Click It or Ticket' enforcement mobilization (May 19 – June 1, 2008). KSP joined other state and local law enforcement agencies who participated in 'Click It or Ticket' as part of a statewide effort to increase seat belt use among those identified as least likely to buckle up. The campaign includes the Memorial Day Holiday travel period which is one of the deadliest for motorists in the Commonwealth.

KSP Commissioner Rodney Brewer was pleased with his agency's results in the statewide mobilization effort.

"Last year, there were 835 crashes in Kentucky during the Memorial Day weekend," said Brewer. "Eight people lost their lives and 355 were injured. Many of these fatalities and injuries might have been avoided if the drivers had buckled up, slowed down and avoided the use of drugs and alcohol. I applaud the efforts of our troopers during this campaign and their dedication to saving lives on Kentucky roadways."

Captain Tim Lucas, Commander for the Highway Safety Branch points out that, according to the National Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), regular seat belt use remains the single most effective way to protect yourself and reduce fatalities in motor vehicle crashes. When worn correctly, seat belts have proven to reduce the risk of fatal injury to front-seat passenger car occupants by 45 percent - and by 60 percent in pickup trucks, SUVs, and minivans.

"Kentucky has a seat belt usage rate of 72 percent and even though we have improved from past years, it is still disturbing that some individuals refuse to buckle up - the citation numbers bear this out," said Lucas.

"We are hopeful that the numbers we achieve in 2008 will reflect that we are getting the message across to those who have cavalier attitudes when driving and less likely to buckle up," added Lucas.

In addition to the seat belt citations, KSP issued 6,333 speeding citations; 461 Driving Under the Influence (DUI) arrests; 46,308 vehicle inspections; 434 suspended license violations; 2,029 failure to provide proof of insurance citations; 77 reckless driving citations; 151 drug arrests; 6,279 miscellaneous traffic violations and 164 fugitives were apprehended during the enforcement campaign.

'Click It or Ticket' is a national enforcement effort that is supported by federal NHTSA funding allocated to the Kentucky Office of Highway Safety. KSP will continue its highway safety efforts through enforcement and public awareness throughout the summer.

The public is encouraged to report any unsafe operation of a motor vehicle by contacting the Kentucky State Police at 1-800-222-5555.

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Kentucky Teen Driving Resources

It's graduation week here in the Kentucky, with many high schools ready to turn loose Kentucky's latest crop of graduates. Like their parents, and their parents before them, new graduates are eager to celebrate their accomplishments and new found freedom. It's the job of educators, parents, and mentors to help the graduates keep their feet on the ground and drive responsibly.

In previous columns, I have referred a number of sites that are aimed at teens and parents of teens. It always comes down to parents having an open dialog with their children about being responsible behind the wheel.

Here's the latest website I think is worth mentioning

Road Ready Teens by Chrysler

The site includes sections for Teens as well as parents of teens. The Kentucky Department of Transportation has this site on their resources page. Additionally, they post links to the National Safety Council's site, which includes many links to young drivers and teen drivers information.

Happy Kentucky Graduation...and be safe out there!

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Charlie Pinson Insurance KY  offers Kentucky Auto Insurance through a number of carriers including Progressive Insurance, Hartford Insurance, Travelers Insurance, Safeco Insurance, AIG, and Farmers Insurance. As a Kentucky Independent Insurance agency, you the consumer have a hosts of options to choice from. Kentucky Car Insurance for Commercial and business use is also available from selected carriers.

Saving Money At the Pump

Gas prices hitting Kentuckians in the Pocketbook

Is it just me or is gas prices spilling over into all aspects of our lives? For instance, at the grocery store I am used to the shelves being stocked to biblical proportions "heaped up, pressed down, and running over." Not only are the shelves not stocked, they are on the verge of "empty" on many items. Ask store management, and they tell you vendors stock less frequently due to fuel costs. Not only are the shelves less than overflowing, but prices are going up, up, up. It's a pinch on the pocketbook!

At our Kentucky insurance office  we are seeing more of our office pays take advantage of our Internet online pay options. I miss seeing some of them, but again it's more economical to pay online, than drive to our office.

On the home front, we have been building. Costs of lumber is going up, chiefly due to fuel expenses. Materials are not even delivered "as needed," now they wait until they have a full load. Yes, I understand the fuel economy but when you have contractors with no materials, it is no economy for me.Whaaa!

So what can I do to economize my fuel costs and make consumption more efficient?

• Check your tires to make sure they are inflated properly.


• On pretty days, lay off the air conditioner. Roll down your car windows and let the breeze blow your hair. Forget about your dignity! Buy a comb.


• Combine trips. I have been amazed how many gallons of gas I have saved by running all my errands at once. Not only does it save gas, it saves me time...something I have precious little of!


• My metro friends in Lexington  and   Louisville,  avoid traffic snarls and lots of stopping and starting. Take the back way. Get off the expressway...if you are travelling over 60 mph you are wasting fuel anyway.


• Get a tune up. Make sure your vehicle is in tip-top running condition for best fuel efficiency.


• This one surprised me, but empty out your trunk if you are carrying allot of "extra baggage." The more you carry, the more energy you expend.

Are you a visual person? Check out this site which has an interactive car graphic that allows you to analyze all parts of your car and see what you can do to save your Kentucky gas dollars.

Other resources

Myths about saving gas

Fine Living saving gas


CNN Best Fuel Efficient Cars

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A Kentucky insurance agent, Joyce Pinson hates to drive. She is very good at carpooling and planning efficient errand running.   Click for more Kentucky Insurance Consumer Tips.

Kentucky Highways 100 Deadly Days of Summer

By Rodney Brewer, Kentucky State Police Commissioner
Date of News Release: 05/15/2008

(Frankfort, KY) - Many families plan summer vacation road trips which include scenic areas within the Commonwealth that are a convenient driving distance from home. This vacation time frame is often referred to by law enforcement as the "100 Deadly Days of Summer," part of a national enforcement campaign that targets aggressive drivers. The time period from Memorial Day to Labor Day represents one of the most dangerous and deadliest times of year on our nation's highways. An overarching reason is the significant jump in alcohol-related traffic crashes and fatalities.

Impaired driving is one of America's deadliest problems. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) states that an average of 36 fatalities occur each day on America's roadways as a result of crashes involving an alcohol-impaired driver. Every 30 minutes, someone in America dies in an alcohol-related crash, and more than 300,000 are injured each year. Statistics reveal that about three in every 10 Americans will be involved in an alcohol-related crash at some point in their lives.

During the Commonwealth's peak travel season, we must call awareness to the need for increased driver safety. With rare exception, the vast majority of vehicle crashes are preventable. The Kentucky State Police (KSP) can help stem the tide, but we also need every Kentuckian's cooperation. KSP has a toll free number (800.222.5555) that motorists can call to report impaired, aggressive or unsafe drivers.

Seat belt usage is the single most effective action you can take to protect yourself in a vehicle crash. Seat belt use reduces the risk of sustaining a fatal injury by 45 percent in a car and 60 percent in a light truck. Additionally, 60 percent of passengers killed in traffic crashes are not wearing seat belts. As of May 1, 2008, a total of 224 people have lost their lives on Kentucky's roadways. Of the 224 motor vehicle fatalities, 125 were not wearing seat belts and 47 were the result of crashes involving the suspected use of alcohol.

Kentucky Highway Safety Tips

Despite record gas prices, the American Automobile Association (AAA) predicts that nearly 39 million drivers across the United States will hit the road during each Memorial Day, Fourth of July and Labor Day holiday weekends. If you're going to be one of the countless people behind the wheel, here are a few safety tips you should know:

Obey speed limits. Excessive speed reduces your ability to avoid a crash, extends your vehicle's stopping distance and increases the severity of a crash when it occurs.

Don't tailgate. Follow other vehicles at a safe distance. If you find yourself being tailgated, don't hit the brakes. Slow down gradually and let the other vehicle pass you.

Avoid aggressive driving behaviors such as passing on the shoulder of the road, changing lanes without signaling, violating traffic signals and weaving in and out of traffic.

Avoid or minimize in-car distractions such as cell phone use, changing tapes or CDs, or eating.

Get enough sleep. Sleep deprivation and fatigue can cause lapses in attention, slowed awareness and impaired judgment.

Take frequent breaks to keep alert during long distance trips.

Be extra cautious around large trucks. They have large "blind spots" and much longer stopping distances than passenger cars.

Please do your part to be safe and remember that 80 percent of crashes occur within 20 miles of home at speeds of 45 miles per hour or less. About 40 percent of all fatal crashes occur on roads where the speed limit is 30 miles per hour or less. These tips will increase your chances of survival and reduced speed will also increase your fuel mileage.

The Kentucky State Police, in conjunction with local law enforcement will be out in force conducting safety check points, saturation patrols on interstates and local highways with emphasis on high-crash locations throughout the summer. Do your part not to be a statistic during this dangerous time period by buckling up and driving the speed limit.

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Safe Driving Tips for Memorial Day

Kentucky State Police Working Overtime During Memorial Day Weekend

Date of News Release: 05/21/08

(FRANKFORT, Ky.) - Traffic on the state's roadways is expected to increase significantly during the upcoming Memorial Day weekend, which traditionally marks the beginning of the summer driving season. Accordingly, the Kentucky State Police plans to intensify its traffic safety efforts from 6 p.m. on Friday, May 23, through 11:59 p.m. on Monday, May 26.

To increase your chances of surviving highway travel during this dangerous holiday, KSP offers this simple advice: slow down, buckle up and don't drive while impaired by drugs or alcohol.

"Last year, there were 835 crashes in Kentucky during the Memorial Day weekend," says KSP Commissioner Rodney Brewer. "Eight people lost their lives and 355 were injured. Many of these fatalities and injuries might have been avoided if the drivers had slowed down, buckled up and avoided the use of drugs and alcohol."

"As of May 18, a total of 270 people have lost their lives on Kentucky's roadways in 2008," says Capt. Tim Lucas, commander of KSP's Highway Safety Branch. "Of the 220 motor vehicle fatalities, 142 were not wearing seat belts and 50 were the result of crashes involving the suspected use of alcohol."

Lucas points out that, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), using a seat belt is the single most effective action you can take to protect yourself in a vehicle crash. Seat belt use reduces the risk of sustaining a fatal injury by 45 percent in a car and 60 percent in a light truck. It also reports that 60 percent of passengers killed in traffic crashes are not wearing seat belts.

Lucas also reminds motorists that Kentucky has a zero tolerance policy regarding driving while impaired by alcohol. "Although driving with a blood alcohol level of .08 is illegal, you can also be arrested for lower levels if you are under 21 years of age or operating a commercial vehicle," he explains. "If you are going to drive, it's best not to consume any alcohol at all."

"Even first time violators face immediate arrest, which can result in court costs, legal fees, higher Kentucky auto insurance rates, fines, loss of license and even imprisonment," he adds.

As part of the "Click It or Ticket" campaign, which started May 19 and continues through June 1, state troopers will be working overtime during the Memorial Day holiday. Operations will include increased saturation patrols and traffic safety checkpoints and coordinated enforcement activities with local police and sheriff's departments for maximum coverage.

KSP reminds motorists that Kentucky law requires them to slow down and use caution when they see a law enforcement or emergency vehicle stopped alongside the road with its lights flashing. They must move over to the lane farthest away from the vehicle if they are on a four-lane road with two lanes proceeding in the same direction and can do so safely.

Motorists should also be aware that the back seat is the safest place for children to sit, especially in vehicles equipped with passenger-side air bags. Infants and toddlers should never ride in the front seat of a vehicle with a passenger-side air bag. Parents should always be sure that their child's safety seat has been properly installed in the vehicle according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Kentucky law requires all children 40 inches in height or less to be buckled into a child safety restraint seat that meets federal standards. Children over 40 inches tall must wear a seat belt. Violators face a $50.00 fine with an additional $10.00 fine donated to the Traumatic Brain Injury Trust Fund.

According to NHTSA, properly installed child safety seats reduce the risk of death by 71 percent for infants and 54 percent for toddlers in passenger cars.

Kentucky law makes the driver responsible for assuring that all occupants of the vehicle are properly restrained. Violation of this law will result in a fine not to exceed $25.00.

Other tips recommended by KSP for safe road travel include:

• Slow down in roadway construction zones. Watch for lane closures and merge well before the actual closure. Look for orange warning signs, follow posted speed limits, leave adequate space between vehicles, watch for workers and sudden stops and be prepared for changing road surfaces and traffic patterns.


• Avoid aggressive driving behaviors such as passing on the shoulder of the road, changing lanes without signaling, violating traffic signals and weaving in and out of traffic.


• Expect the unexpected. Watch traffic around you and be prepared to react. Scan the road ahead for potential hazards.


• Watch for road debris such as tire treads, garbage, lumber, gravel, tree limbs, mufflers and exhaust parts.


• Take extra care on rural roads with 55 mile per hour speed limits.

"Please do your part to be safe," says Brewer. "Remember, three out of four crashes happen within 25 miles of home at speeds of 45 miles per hour or less. About 40 percent of all fatal crashes occur on roads where the speed limit is 30 miles per hour or less."

Citizens can further contribute to highway safety during the holiday period by reporting erratic drivers to the KSP toll-free hotline at 1-800-222-5555. Callers will remain anonymous and should give a description of the vehicle, location, direction of travel and license number if possible.

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The staff of Charlie Pinson Insurance KY  wishes all a safe Memorial Day holiday. We will return to our Kentucky insurance office on Tuesday.

Kentucky Teen Highway Fatalities

Four Teens Among Traffic Fatalities Last Week (May 5 -11)

Date of News Release: 05/12/08 from Kentucky State Police

(FRANKFORT, Ky.) - Preliminary statistics* indicate that eleven people died in ten separate crashes on Kentucky's roadways from Monday, May 5 through Sunday, May 11, 2008.

Nine of the fatalities were traveling in motor vehicles and six of those victims were not wearing seat belts. One double-fatality crash occurred in Woodford county.

A motorcycle fatality occurred in Fayette county and the driver was not wearing a helmet. A pedestrian fatality was also reported in Fayette county.

Four teens were among the traffic fatalities this week and those collisions occurred in Grayson, Muhlenberg, Scott and Woodford counties.

Single-fatality crashes occurred in Grayson, Hardin, Muhlenberg, Perry, Pike, Scott, and Trigg counties.

Through May 11, preliminary statistics* indicate that 248 people have lost their lives on Kentucky roadways during 2008. This is 49 fewer than reported for this time period in 2007. Of the 203 motor vehicle fatalities, 134 victims were not wearing seat belts. Of the 18 motorcycle fatalities, twelve were not wearing helmets. Twenty-three pedestrians have been killed. Three fatalities involved ATV's and one involved a bicycle. A total of 46 fatalities have resulted from crashes involving the suspected use of alcohol.

Citizens can contribute to highway safety by reporting erratic drivers to the Kentucky State Police toll-free at 1-800-222-5555. Callers will remain anonymous and should give a description of the vehicle, location, direction of travel and license number if possible.

*These statistics are still preliminary as KSP waits for all local law enforcement agencies throughout the state to report any crashes and fatalities that may have occurred in their areas.

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Kentucky Teensurance
Kentucky Teen Insurance for
Kentucky Young Drivers

With graduation and prom season upon us, pay close attention when you are behind the wheel. Be sure it buckle-up and drive with caution. ClickKentucky Auto Insurance Quotes  from a Kentucky independent insurance agent.

Kentucky Young Drivers and Kentucky New Graduates

Across the Commonwealth, May is traditionally college graduation month. As new graduates enter the workforce, rent their first apartment, look for their first real job, consider employee benefits, and insure their first car their plate is pretty full. Graduation is a time of celebration; but the "real world" can be overwhelming.

A resource that might be helpful is Insure U-Get Smart About Insurance .  While not specific to Kentucky Insurance, the website by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners is a good starting point for new Kentucky insurance consumers.

There are interactive quiz surveys and thought provoking articles. Of course, consulting a Kentucky Insurance agent can help guide new graduates through the process.

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Charlie Pinson is a Kentucky Insurance agent and part-time Kentucky sportscaster. He is "The Voice of Pikeville College Bears" and is very involved with high school and college athletes. Charlie maintains a Kentucky sports blog focusing on student athletes. His Kentucky Insurance agency offers Kentucky car insurance, renters insurance, life insurance, and a variety of insurances for business professionals.

Eleven Die On Kentucky Roadways Last Week (Apr. 14 through Apr. 20)

Kentucky State Police Media Contact S. Bray 502.695.6353

Date of News Release: 04/21/08

(FRANKFORT, Ky.) - Preliminary statistics* indicate that eleven people died in ten separate crashes on Kentucky's roadways from Monday, Apr. 14 through Sunday, Apr. 20, 2008.

Nine of the fatalities were traveling in motor vehicles. Six of the victims were not wearing seat belts.

One fatality involved a motorcycle that occurred in Hardin county. The motorcyclist was exiting the Natcher Parkway onto southbound I-65 when he lost control of his Harley Davidson motorcycle with sidecar. After the motorcycle lost control, it struck a semi-truck before coming to a rest. Those on the motorcycle included a man, his son and the man's girlfriend. The man and his son walked away uninjured but the woman was killed in the crash. None of the victims were wearing helmets.

A fatal ATV crash occurred in Warren county and the driver was not wearing a helmet.

Single-fatality crashes occurred in Bracken, Carter, Graves, Leslie, Lyon, Warren and Whitley counties. A double-fatality crash occurred on KY 210 in Taylor county.

The fatality in Bracken county was the result of a motor vehicle collision with a railroad train on Mary Ingles Highway in Mt. Olivet.

Through April 20, preliminary statistics* indicate that 209 people have lost their lives on Kentucky roadways during 2008. This is 17 fewer than reported for this time period in 2007. Of the 175 motor vehicle fatalities, 115 victims were not wearing seat belts. Of the 13 motorcycle fatalities, eight were not wearing helmets. Twenty pedestrians have been killed. A total of 43 fatalities have resulted from crashes involving the suspected use of alcohol.

Citizens can contribute to Kentucky highway safety by reporting erratic drivers to the Kentucky State Police toll-free at 1-800-222-5555. Callers will remain anonymous and should give a description of the vehicle, location, direction of travel and license number if possible.

*These statistics are still preliminary as KSP waits for all local law enforcement agencies throughout the state to report any crashes and fatalities that may have occurred in their areas.

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New Car for Graduation? Be a Smart Kentucky Consumer

Seven Shopping Strategies For New Car Buyers

Congratulations Kentucky Graduates!

New car shopping can be a lot of fun, especially if you’re a car enthusiast. But others can find the experience stressful and tedious. Either way, there’s a lot to think about. According to a survey of car shoppers, overall purchase price is the most important factor when shopping for a new car (46 percent), followed by make and model (31 percent).

Safety and performance come in a distant third, tied at seven percent. But whether you’re turned on or turned off by the dizzying array of car choices, trim options, “expert” reviews, incentives and other deals, it definitely pays to approach car buying strategically.

So if you’re in the market for a new vehicle and you find yourself having trouble keeping a clear head, just keep these strategies, courtesy of Charlie Pinson Insurance  in mind:

1. Decide how much money you can spend and what type of vehicle best suits your needs. Just looking for the basic transport capability of a small or medium sedan? Or do you need the hauling capacity of a van or SUV? Something practical? Something sporty? Something in between?

2. Research crash tests and accident data available from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

3. Shop around for financing. If you can, apply for and get approval for a loan from a bank, credit union or other financier before you even visit the dealership. Being a “cash buyer” gives you an advantage when you do finally meet with the dealership’s financing person.

4. Test drive the car. Try to drive in conditions that will be similar to those under which you’ll drive every day.

5. Check pricing for your desired make and model at two or three dealerships and use that information to help you negotiate the best deal.

6. Get a firm quote, in writing. This should include not only the cost of the car, but any fees and the sales tax.

7. Inspect your new car carefully before driving off the lot. Make sure all the options you’ve ordered are included and that the body and paint are free of scratches or dents.

Finally, it’s important to consider the cost of Kentucky auto insurance, although it seems that few people realize that what they pay for insurance can add significantly to the vehicle’s total cost.

Wise car buyers know to shop around for Kentucky insurance and find out how costs compare. They also know to visit a Kentucky independent insurance agency – like Charlie Pinson Insurance.  We can check with several companies to find the best combination of coverage and price.

To get a Progressive quote with Charlie Pinson Insurance, visitwww.pinsoninsurance.com

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Charlie Pinson Insurance is a Kentucky independent insurance agency representing many Kentucky Car Insurance companies including Progressive Insurance. In addition to online  Kentucky Auto Insurance Quotes consumer education, claims contacts, and agency profiles are available. New college graduates might also need Kentucky Short Term Health Insurance when coming off a parents policy, or awaiting benefits from a new employer.

Travelers Insurance Partners for Teen Driving

Parents and Teens Behind the wheel

Broadcasts air in Connecticut

Videos available for purchase

Parents and Teens Behind the Wheel

Connecticut public television will be airing a compelling documentary about teen driving, and how parents' driving habits influences their teens. Funded by Travelers Insurance, Carmax Foundation, and Stratton Faxon the documentaries "Teens behind the wheel" and "Parents and Teens behind the wheel" has garnered national attention.

The plot centers around clips from video cameras in the family car, that were gathered over a six month period. Not only were the teens filmed, the parents were as well. Dateline NBC and Good Morning America have made mention of the documentary.

CPTV, Connecticut Public Broadcasting Network, airs "Teens Behind the Wheel" at 8 PM on April 15. Check the weblink above for future airings.

For those of us in Kentucky who are interested in the videos, they are available for purchase following the title link above.

Charlie Pinson Insurance, offers Kentucky Auto Insurance through a number of companies including Travelers Insurance. Get a Kentucky Car Insurance Quote. Young drivers and teen driving information are available through several Kentucky insurance companies.

Safeco Teensurance get positive press Wall Street Journal

Teen Insurance targeting safety and new markets

Safeco Insurance continues to garner rave reviews about their Teensurance product. Rolled out last year, the media attention is still escalating.

Check out March 27 edition of the Wall Street Journal

Scroll below to view Safeco's You Tube Teensurance promo. Check out our agency website at www.pinsoninsurance.com to see more about Kentucky Teen Insurance options.

Safeco and the Safeco logo are registered trademarks of Safeco Corporation
Teensurance and Safety Beacon are trademarks of Open Seas Solutions, Inc. Open Seas Solutions, Inc. is a non-insurance subsidiary of Safeco Corporation.

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Kentucky Graduated Drivers License Kentucky Teen Drivers

Info for Kentucky Teen Drivers and Parents

Kentucky Transportation Cabinet

On October 1, 2006 Kentucky's Graduated Driver License law took effect. The purpose of the legislation is to decrease the number of accidents involving Kentucky Teens. There is now an "intermediary phase" between the time a teen gets their learner's permit and an actual unrestriced license. Teens are restricted to no driving from midnight to 6 am, during the intermediary phase; except in emergency. Teens are also restricted to only one unrelated passenger under the age of twenty.

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet offers A guide for First Time Drivers, the Kentucky Drivers Manual, and a Parent Guide to Teaching Your Kentucky Teen Driving Habits for Life. the site also includes a Practice Driving Log, a Parent-Teen Driver Agreement, and a Parent-Guardian Withdrawal of Responsibility Form.

Charlie Pinson Insurance offers Kentucky Auto Insurance Quotes online.

For Parents and Teens Just in Time for PROM

TEENS CAN TURN TO WEB
FOR TIPS TO BECOME BETTER DRIVERS;
MOMS AND DADS CAN LEARN SOMETHING, TOO

Driving Skills For Life

DEARBORN, Mich., May 7, 2007 – In this season when many teens are concentrating on proms or graduation, parents are more likely to focus on keeping their teenagers safe on the road.

They have reason to worry: During a typical prom weekend, nearly 300 teens die in alcohol-related crashes, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). NHTSA also reports that one in five 16-year-old drivers experiences a collision in their first year of driving, and nearly 6,000 teens die annually in automobile crashes in the United States.

This year, Ford Motor Company is working to help teens become better drivers by turning to the Web. Ford is now offering safe driving tips in video format on popular Web sites like www.youtube.com, www.tubearoo.com, in addition to Ford's interactive teen safe driving Web site, www.drivingskillsforlife.com.

The short video spots provide a variety of driving tips to both teens and adults, and feature professional instructors from Ford's Driving Skills for Life “ride-and-drive” events. They teach teens what to do if passenger-side wheels leave the roadway, how to recover in a skid, how to sit properly for safe driving, how to aggressively brake safely, how to anticipate danger, and when it's important to slow down.

“We're turning to the Web because that's where teens live, and where they get much of their information,” said Sue Cischke, vice president, Sustainability, Environment and Safety Engineering, Ford Motor Company. “We want the video spots to get teens thinking about safe driving, and we think the tips can be valuable for adults, as well.”

Cischke said that the best way for teens to learn safe driving is to get behind the wheel with an experienced driver – a driving instructor or parent – who can share their knowledge first hand.

“The best thing both teens and adults can do to remain safe is to buckle up, and avoid alcohol while driving. Research into driving related injuries and fatalities clearly demonstrates that,” Cischke said. “We're proud that our safe driving program has helped many teens return home safely, and we want to spread our safe driving message any way we can.”

Ford's Driving Skills for Life helps young drivers improve their skills in four key areas that are critical factors in more than 60 percent of teen vehicle crashes: hazard recognition, vehicle handling, space management and speed management. Ford will continue to hold several hands-on driving safety events across the United States, and provide free educational materials to high schools around the country.

Established in 2003 by Ford Motor Company and the Governors Highway Safety Association, Driving Skills for Life provides effective learning tools, including the comprehensive interactive Web site that rewards students for taking the initiative to learn safe driving techniques. In addition, educator materials are available at no charge in both English and Spanish, allowing instruction of the program in school or community settings. Driving Skills for Life has staged hands-on driving events that have reached nearly 6,000 students. The program also combines learning materials for use by students, parents, educators, and instructors for use at home, in schools and community settings.

Charlie Pinson Insurance offers Safeco Teensurance, a new safety device available to Kentucky Safeco policy holders. For more information click Kentucky Teens Driving including you tube video.

It's spring: Time for Prom and Graduation. How fast is your kid driving?

Teensurance powered by Safeco Insurance
 Kentucky Teens and Young Drivers

According to the Kentucky Transporation Cabinet one of the highest teen crash rates in the nation occurs right here in Kentucky. While Kentucky Teens represent only 6% of Kentucky's population, Kentucky Teens are involved in 18% of fatal crashes and over 20% of highway crashes.*

What Can You Do?

Teensurance.com powered by Safeco Insurance

Well according to a Smart Choice Insurance Executive, Paul Taylor, it's all about keeping an open dialogue with your young driver. Paul explained at a recent Kentucky Insurance agents meeting that he had secretly installed the Teensurance device in his son's car. The device sends a warning back to the parents, when speeding occurs.

To make a long story short, the device signaled and when Paul called his son to ask him how fast he was going it was in excess of 100 mph! Talk about opening a dialogue!

What's the benefits?

In addition to monitoring speed, the Teensurance device can also provide 24/7 roadside assistance. And get this EVEN IF THEY ARE RIDING IN A FRIEND's CAR!
Roadside assistance for running out of gas, a dead batter, flat tire, locked out, or stalled auto can sure come in handy when you cannot be there!

Louisville, KY's, The Courier-Journal, reported in the July 29, 2007 edition that 20 Safeco policyholders in the Louisville area had purchased Teensurance in the first month of it's release. Titled, "Big Brother hits road with teens" the article details some of the products highlights.

Teensurance, is not an insurance product, but is offered through Safeco Insurance. For a very small cost, Safeco policyholders can add a GPS locator to the vehicle their children drive.

To learn more about the Teensurance program offered to Safeco Policy holders check out their website at Teensurance.com


Don't have a Kentucky Safeco Auto Insurance policy? Get a Kentucky Safeco Car Insurance quote at Charlie Pinson Insurance a Kentucky Safeco Agent.

*Statistics from the Kentucky Transporation Cabinet see full article

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