by James Neely - freelance writer for hire
This is not a buyers’ guide for vehicles for college bound students, but rather a suggestion that can help promote safety and peace of mind. Sending your son or daughter off to college is traumatic enough. But sending them in a vehicle that you are paying for so that they can get around adds a level of concern for every parent.
College-age Driver
That is why you should consider adding a GPS car tracker to the vehicle. The ways in which this can help are invaluable.
Tracking movement. No parent wants to suspect their children of dangerous activities while in their vehicles, but face it: things happen. We see news reports almost daily that chronicle tragic incidents involving cars and young drivers. These reports often have us asking “how could this have been avoided?”
A GPS car tracker may not be able to stop specific actions of the driver (unless you get one that cuts off the ignition to the vehicle), but it can provide something just as powerful: information. With one of these systems you can know where your college student is, and what direction they are travelling and the speed at which they are going.
And, with the proper model of GPS car tracker, you can view it in real time on your home computer.
Lowering insurance premiums. Insurance companies are impressed by only one thing: lowering their risk. A GPS car tracker does just that, so you will be able to realize a deduction in your premiums. How much depends on your insurance carrier and other factors. But, suffice it to say that while you are putting a child through college, any reduction in expenses is welcome.
Providing verification. Did your child reach their intended destination? Did they stop along the way? If so, where? These questions can be answered with assurance. Should their vehicle stray from the intended path then a quick call on a cell phone can help find out if there is a problem.
Providing evidentiary support. Should your child be involved in an accident, having evidence in support of their actions can mean the difference between points on their license (and increased insurance premiums) and being able to thwart charges which are false. It is an extra layer of security that comes with a GPS car tracker.
Peace of mind. You rest easier knowing that you can keep closer track on your child while they are driving. At least you can know with assurance that they are where they should be and that is important.
