April 19, 2011 • Page 15 shop online at www.missourivalleyshopper.com Selecting a Teenage Driver’s First Car Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death among U.S. teenagers, accounting for more than one in three deaths, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The good news is that, with a sturdy car and some wellingrained safety lessons, many of these crashes are largely preventable. As the parent of a teenager, many mothers and fathers are reticent to have their children join the millions of drivers on the nation's roadways. A teen driver can test one's nerves. Once a teenager receives his or her license, the family will have to reassess their automotive needs or risk fighting over the family automobile somewhat regularly. There are certain practices that should be commonplace even if a teenager is anxious to simply run to the nearest dealership and pick out a car. Onc e teenage c hildren get their lic enses, it's time to assess the vehic le needs o f the family. One of the first things a parent may think to do is to surround their child in the biggest, bulkiest vehicle possible. If there were an army tank available, parents might consider it. But large trucks and SUVs have a tendency to rollover. Plus, a teenager may think that a bigger vehicle means invincibility. Industry experts agree that there are some tips parents can follow when selecting a teen's first car. • Shop for preowned vehicles. Most families are already feeling the heat of overtaxed budgets. Another car payment could be unaffordable. Plus, insurance premiums for a teenage driver could be very expensive, especially if that teen is driving J&H Carpet Care & Cleaning Service 665-5884 a brand new car. Shop for a car that is a few years old. Not only will it have plenty of miles still left in it, but also, if an accident occurs, the repairs likely won't be as expensive as they would if a new car gets dinged up. • Seek out sedans. Sure they may not be the ultra-cool sports car or the behemoth SUV, but sedans are large enough to effectively protect a driver in an accident and will have plenty of room to carpool friends to movies, sports games and such. • Make kids bear some of the financial burden. Parents should make their children financially responsible for the car in one way or another. Whether they contribute a few dollars to the monthly bill or are responsi- ble for oil changes and fuel costs, having a financial investment may encourage kids to be more careful with the vehicle. • Teach defensive driving. A vehicle is only as safe as its driver. Consider defensive-driving courses in addition to the regular driving courses and exams the teen has taken. It will help him or her learn even more about being safe on the road. Of course, experience through road miles is another way to gain expertise. No Appointment Necessary FOX RUN QUIK LUBE Tom & Sharon Christensen Owner/Operator 2501 Fox Run Parkway, Yankton, SD 605-665-1810 ~ 10 MINUTE OIL CHANGE CENTER ~ EstFREE ima tes Call Classifieds 605-665-2571 or 605-331-9211 Steel Building • Remodeling • Additions • Residential • Commercial Built for you ... “No job too big or too small” Dallas Keller: 661-3759 • Tony Radack: 660-0365 Total Janitorial • 7 Days a Week If It’s Dirty ... We Will Clean It! Locally owned by Herb & Joan Danner • Yankton, SD Carpet Cleaning Contract Cleaning Upholstery Cleaning Commercial/Residential Auto Detailing Floor Care PLUMBING SE IN’SNew Construction, RVIC V E KE Home and Cabin Remodel and Repairs 89476 557th Ave. Fordyce NE 68735 402.357.2564 Box 1062 Yankton SD 57078 605.668.0177 In business AUTOMATIC UNDERGROUND LAWN SPRINKLERS Kevin Zavadil since 1994. Cell # 605.661.2894 • Carpets • Upholstery • Duct Cleaning • Water Restoration • Fire Restoration • Mold Testing & Remediation • Tile & Grout Cleaning • General Cleaning WATER • SMOKE • FIRE FREE ESTIMATES Ask for Details 665-5700 1-800-529-2450 A RAIN BIRD SPRINKLER SYSTEM MAKES THE LIVING EASY! Dreading that spring cleaning? Let us help! G and L Motors Specializing in late model repairables and used cars! 4400 West 31st Street, Yankton, SD 57078 (Located 3.5 miles west of Wal-Mart on Hwy. 50) Phone: 605-665-7532 Fax: 605-665-9780 WWW.GLMOTORS.COM Had an accident? Trust our crew to make it look like new! We Offer Complete Auto Body Repair! Where we treat Complete Sales & Service 605-665-9269 Fejfar Plumbing and Heating, Inc. 1209 W. 9th • Yankton, SD Residential • Athletic Fields • Commercial • Paintless Dent Repair • Free Loaner Cars • Specializing in Insurance Claims • Certified Technicians • Unibody & Frame Repair • Guaranteed Dupont Color Matching • Glass Installation and Repair • Tractors & Semis • Free Estimates • Satisfaction Guaranteed! every vehicle like our own and thank you for choosing us! E. Hwy. 50, Yankton 665-7670 (3/4 mile East of The Kelly Inn) & 2nd Location 407 Washington St., Gayville 267-7670