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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Teens off too college? Beware Scholarship Scams

Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority

June Financial Aid Tip of the Month

Parents of college-bound students probably hear a lot of sales pitches from companies that promise to help find financial aid to pay for college.

There’s no need to pay for this kind of information. It may be obtained free by working with your guidance counselor, checking out sources in the library, doing free online scholarship searches or contacting the financial aid office of the college you plan to attend. GoHigherKY.org, the state’s one-stop college planning Web site, also offers a free scholarship search.

If you decide to use a company to help you find financial aid, make sure you’re dealing with a reputable one. The Federal Trade Commission cautions students to be especially skeptical about scholarship search companies and Web sites that make these claims.

· “You’ve been selected by a national foundation to receive a scholarship.” Check with a guidance counselor or The Foundation Center at www.fdncenter.org to find out if the foundation is legitimate. Be especially wary if you receive notification that you’re a finalist in a scholarship contest you didn’t enter.



· “We’ll do all the work.” It’s highly unlikely that the company will fill out all the applications for all the financial aid sources it sends you.



· “I just need your credit card or bank account number to hold this scholarship.” Never give these numbers to a person or company with which you are unfamiliar. You could find your credit card maxed out and your bank account cleaned out.



· “This scholarship will cost some money.” Some legitimate scholarships do have upfront fees, but no more than $5 or $10.



· “You’re guaranteed to get money for college or your money back.” Read the fine print. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.



To learn how to plan and prepare for higher education, visit www.GoHigherKY.org. For more information about Kentucky scholarships and grants, visit www.kheaa.com; write KHEAA, P.O. Box 798, Frankfort, KY 40602-0798; or call (800) 928-8926, extension 7381.

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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 ).

© Insurance Information Institute, Inc. - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED -

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Kids and Lawn Mower Safety June is National Safety Month

More than Sun Block Required to Protect Kids While Mowing Lawns

National Medical Societies’ Safety Tips Prevent Lawn Mower Injuries

June is National Safety Month

Chicago – Protecting children during summer activities conjures up thoughts of bike helmets, knee pads, and sun block. However, during the summer months, mowing the lawn can be as routine for some children as riding a bike and can be dangerous if proper safety precautions are not taken. In fact, nearly 210,000 people – approximately 16,200 of them children under age 19 – were treated in doctors’ offices, clinics and emergency rooms for lawn mower-related injuries in 2007, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reports.

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To help prevent injuries, the American Society for Reconstructive Microsurgery (ASRM), the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS), the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) have teamed up to educate parents, adults and children about the importance of lawn mower safety during National Safety Month, June 2008.

“Parents need to understand that lawnmowers can cause terrible devastating injuries to children's hands, feet or faces, which can impact the rest of their lives,” said ASRM President Neil Jones, MD. “The tragedy is that most of these injuries are totally preventable by following some simple precautions.”

The ASRM, AAOS, ASPS and AAP offer the following tips to help prevent lawn mower-related injuries:

• Children should be at least 12 years old before they operate any lawn mower, and at least 16 years old for a ride-on mower.



• Children should never be passengers on ride-on mowers.




• Always wear sturdy shoes while mowing – not sandals.




• Young children should be at a safe distance from the area you are mowing.




• Before mowing, pick up stones, toys and debris from the lawn to prevent injuries from flying objects.




• Always wear eye and hearing protection.




• Use a mower with a control that stops it from moving forward if the handle is released.




• Never pull backward or mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary – carefully look for others behind you when you do.




• Start and refuel mowers outdoors – not in a garage. Refuel with the motor turned off and cool.




• Blade settings should be set by an adult only.




• Wait for blades to stop completely before removing the grass catcher, unclogging the discharge chute, or crossing gravel roads.

“Serious orthopaedic trauma can be sustained while operating a lawn mower,” said AAOS President Tony Rankin, MD. “However, by following a few simple safety tips, devastating injuries may be prevented.”

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Many lawn mower-related injuries require a team of physicians from various specialties to properly repair them. Often, patients must endure painful reconstructive operations to restore form and function.

“Many children who sustain lawn mower injuries must undergo reconstructive surgery for months, sometimes years, after the initial accident,” said ASPS President Richard D’Amico, MD. “The look on parents’ faces can be truly heart wrenching. We are the physicians called to treat these devastating injuries, but would do anything to prevent them in the first place.”

“Parents want to protect their children from accidents and injuries. But every summer we see children and teens using lawnmowers in an unsafe manner,” said AAP President Renee Jenkins, MD. “It is our job as pediatricians to help get information to parents about how to prevent injuries that are common during summer months, and that includes injuries from lawnmowers.”

The American Society for Reconstructive Microsurgery is a not-for-profit organization consisting primarily of orthopaedic and plastic surgeons that perform microsurgery and other complex reconstructions. With more than 500 members, the ASRM mission is to promote, encourage and advance the art and science of microsurgical and other complex reconstructions. The ASRM serves as a forum for teaching, research and free discussion of microsurgical methods and principles. For more information, please visit www.microsurg.org.

With more than 30,000 members, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (www.aaos.org) is the premier not-for-profit organization that provides education programs for orthopaedic surgeons and allied health professionals, champions the interests of patients and advances the highest quality musculoskeletal health. Orthopaedic surgeons and the Academy are the authoritative sources of information for patients and the general public on musculoskeletal conditions, treatments and related issues. An advocate for improved patient care, the Academy is participating in the Bone and Joint Decade (www.usbjd.org) – the global initiative in the years 2002-2011 – to raise awareness of musculoskeletal health, stimulate research and improve people’s quality of life.

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons is the largest organization of board-certified plastic surgeons in the world. Representing more than 6,700 physician members, the Society is recognized as a leading authority and information source on cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery. ASPS comprises more than 90 percent of all board-certified plastic surgeons in the United States. Founded in 1931, the Society represents physicians certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery or The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. For more information, please visit www.plasticsurgery.org.

The American Academy of Pediatrics is an organization of 60,000 primary care pediatricians, pediatric medical subspecialists and pediatric surgical specialists dedicated to the health, safety and well being of infants, children, adolescents and young adults. (www.aap.org)

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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Summer Food, Swimming and Kentucky Health

Public Health Issues Safety Guidelines for Food Handling, Swimming

The Kentucky Department for Public Health (DPH) wants to remind outdoor dining and swimming enthusiasts of some tips to stay safe during family get-togethers and swimming outings planned for the season.

“The onset of summer is reason to celebrate for many people, especially those who enjoy outdoor parties and water sports,” said William Hacker, M.D., acting undersecretary for health and DPH commissioner. “They certainly are wonderful activities, and we want all Kentuckians to enjoy them. Still, we have to be mindful of public health and safety.”

DPH has compiled a list of basic safety tips to follow to avoid illnesses linked to improperly stored/prepared food or swimming in contaminated waters.

For grilling:

• Wash your hands before and after handling food. Be sure all utensils and plates are clean before preparing or serving food.



• Use the refrigerator for slow, safe thawing or thaw under cool running water. You may use the microwave for thawing, but grill immediately.



• Marinate in the refrigerator, not on the counter.



• Always use a meat thermometer to check internal meat temperatures. Color is not a reliable indicator of doneness. Cook food to the proper internal temperature:


─ Ground beef, 155 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 seconds
─ Poultry and stuffed meats, 165 degrees F for 15 seconds
─ Pork products, 150 degrees F for 15 seconds
─ Other products, 140 degrees F for 15 seconds
─ Reheating leftovers, 165 degrees F for 15 seconds

DPH also recommends keeping meat and poultry refrigerated until ready to use. After cooking meat and poultry on the grill, keep it at 140 degrees F or warmer. In weather warmer than 90 degrees F, food should never sit out for more than two hours. Refrigerate any leftovers promptly in shallow containers to ensure they’re cooled quicker and more thoroughly.

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In addition, DPH also stressed the importance of healthy swimming behaviors in preventing recreational water illnesses (RWIs). According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), state and local health departments across the country investigated more RWI outbreaks in 2007 than ever before, many linked to Cryptosporidium (“Crypto”), a chlorine-resistant parasite.

Awareness of RWIs and healthy swimming behaviors play an important role in stopping transmission of the illnesses. Germs on and in swimmers’ bodies end up in the water and can make other people sick. Even healthy swimmers can get sick from RWIs, but young people, the elderly, pregnant women and immunosuppressed people are especially at risk. Specific actions you can take to promote healthy swimming include:

• Do not swim when you have diarrhea.


• Do not swallow pool water or get pool water in your mouth.


• Shower before swimming (children too).


• Wash your hands after using the toilet or changing diapers.


• Take children on bathroom breaks or change diapers often.


• Change children’s diapers in a bathroom, not at poolside.

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Joyce Pinson,Kentucky Health Insurance agent,  is an avid griller and loves to grill fresh Kentucky produce.

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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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
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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.

Getting Students on the road to financial responsibility

The Hartford offers "Playbook for Life" Broadcaster Dick Vitale to be spokesman

So you have children getting ready for college? So you are in college and want to work on a plan for financial success? You need to check out The Hartford's new Playbook for Life series.  There is a guide for students to do their own financial planning as well as a guide for parents to help talk to their children about being fiscally responsible.

The Hartford's Playbook website features calculators, worksheets and guides to using credit cards.

A webinar by two time All-American from Notre Dame alumni, Allan Pinkett, is also presented. The webinar focuses on financial goal setting, understanding "real world" salaries, and tips for savings and credit.

The Hartford's "Playbook for life" is meant as a general education tool. Always consult a financial advisor when making important life choices.

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Charlie Pinson Insurance KY offers Kentucky Auto insurance through a number of companies including The Hartford. Charlie had the true pleasure of meeting Dick Vitale at a Kentucky health insurance conference several years back. Visit our website for Kentucky Insurance Quotes.

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.