FOUR TIPS TO KEEP YOUR TEEN DRIVER SAFE WHEN YOU AREN’T IN THE CAR

Newspaper columnist and author Erma Bombeck once humorously advised parents to never lend a vehicle to anyone to whom they’ve given birth. If only life could be that simple. Most parents don’t find deflating the tires and locking away the keys from their teen driver a feasible approach and will eventually let their teen driver borrow the car.

Just because you’ve decided to let your teen get behind the wheel doesn’t mean that you want to hand the keys over haphazardly. There are several things that you can do to prepare your child and help relieve some of the uneasiness you might feel.

1. Enroll in a motor club.

One of the most important features is that the emergency roadside service you pick offers 24/7 roadside assistance. Your teen will then be able call for professional help whenever he/she might need it. You may also consider asking your motor club if they offer emergency roadside services for when your teen is riding in a friend’s car.

2. Have a candid conversation with your teen about driving.

You’ll never know your teen’s knowledge and attitude about driving if you don’t talk to them. Although the graphic details of what can happen when speed limits, stop signs, signal lights, and roadwork cautions are ignored might not be fun topics, it’s important for kids to know the consequences of their driving actions.

You’ll also want to establish ground rules for using the car, such as how many passengers will be allowed, what time it should be returned, and where it can and can’t be taken. Keep in mind that some state laws will dictate the answers to some of these questions.

Another topic of discussion should be drinking and driving. No parent wants to believe that their sweet and levelheaded child would be the type to drive intoxicated, but the reality is that even good kids can be foolish or succumb to peer pressure. Make it clear that you’ll have zero tolerance for both drinking and driving -and- riding with someone else drinking alcohol. At the same time, you’ll want your teen to know beyond a doubt that they can call you anytime they get into a bad situation and you’ll be there to come pick them up.

3. Purchase a global positioning system.

A GPS is a device that you can install to apprise you on the location of your vehicle and teen. You will establish a radius of operation for the device. The GPS will alert you if the teen takes the vehicle outside of your set radius, is driving the vehicle beyond their curfew, and if they break the speed limit.

4. Purchase a speed-monitoring device.

This device, also called a governor, restricts the fuel injection of the vehicle. This restriction prevents the vehicle from going over a certain speed. In addition to standard GPS and governor devices, there are also much more expensive high-tech options like tiny on-board drive cams that capture risky driving behaviors on video.

If you feel like you’re being intrusive, just keep in mind that NHTSA data shows the crash rates for drivers between 16 and 17 years of age are nine times that of an adult driver. As your teen driver becomes a more experienced driver and develops safe driving habits, you can always reconsider your approach.

SHOULD YOUR COLLISION COVERAGE BE DROPPED?

If you are like most new car owners, then you probably paid the extra money to include the protection offered by collision coverage in your insurance policy. However, as your vehicle has now begun to age and depreciate, you’ve likely started to ponder if and when you should drop the pricey collision coverage that’s running up your insurance bill.

There’s not a one-size-fits-all answer to this question. After all, everyone won’t have the same comfort level on risk or the same insurance needs and wants. However, there are some factors that you can consider to help you determine if and when you should drop your collision coverage:

  1. Determine the value of your vehicle.

The first thing you should do when deciding if you should drop your collision insurance is determine approximately how much your car is worth. There are several ways to go about this, but one of the best methods is by getting an actual cash value (ACV) estimate. Kelley Blue Book and N.A.D.A. guides are excellent sources. However, you might want to call your insurance agent to find out which ACV source is used by their claims department, as ACV figures will often vary slightly from source to source. Do remember to factor in the wear and tear on your vehicle. Dents, scratches, upholstery holes or tears, and fading or chipping paint are just a few of the factors that can lower your vehicle’s ACV.

  1. Weigh your potential risk against the cost of your collision coverage.

Although your collision coverage premiums will generally decrease slightly as your vehicle ages, you still need to make sure that the cost of your collision coverage remains a worthy expense to cover damage that may or may not occur to your vehicle. Weigh what you’re paying every year for collision coverage against the potential risk of not having it. The ACV of your vehicle should also be a factor in your decision process. For example, the new car you bought several years ago may only be worth $3,000 dollars today, and if you’re paying $600 per year for your collision coverage, then you’re paying 20% of what your car is worth for just this one coverage.

  1. What’s your deductible?

Your deductible is another important factor to consider. Most drivers usually select a collision coverage deductible between $250 and $1,000 dollars. You might have even selected a higher deductible to keep your premiums lower. In any case, you need to remember that your deductible is the amount of money you’ve agreed to pay out-of-pocket before your insurance coverage takes effect. You need to decide if the combination of your collision coverage premiums and the deductible amount you’d pay after an accident are still reasonable costs for the value of your vehicle. For example, you’d be looking at a $1,600 out-of-pocket cost for the year for your damaged vehicle if you have a $1,000 deductible and you’re paying $600 for your annual collision premiums. If your vehicle’s value is anywhere close to what you’d pay out-of-pocket, then you can see where you’re likely wasting your insurance dollars. On the other hand, if your vehicle would cost a great deal more to replace or repair than what you pay out-of-pocket with your collision coverage, then it’s likely worth the expense.

  1. Can you live without the perks of your collision coverage policy?

You’ll need to decide how valuable the perks of your collision coverage policy are to you. For example, your collision coverage policy might offer a free rental following an accident. Without the collision coverage providing this, could you rent a car on your own or find alternative transportation?

The bottom line is that there’s no cut-and-dried answer about dropping your collision insurance. Consider the above points and how they apply to your unique situation before making your decision. You can always schedule an appointment with your insurance agent if you have any doubts, concerns, or questions during your decision process.

Vehicle Type has Impact on Insurance Rates

The costs associated with purchasing a vehicle do not end when you pay the dealer. When you own a car, you must pay for gasoline, maintenance and car insurance. The cost of car insurance usually varies based on your driving history, age and the type of car you drive. While certain types of cars lower the cost of your insurance, others will raise it.

Car insurance companies determine the cost of your policy based on the risk of loss on insurance claims for the company. If the type of car you drive is associated with a larger number of expensive insurance claims, insurance companies will charge you a higher premium than it would charge if you were insuring a vehicle with fewer risks.

A car insurance company assesses the risk associated with your vehicle by examining past information about the vehicle and about the type of person that usually drives it. If drivers of the vehicle usually make more claims, the insurance company will assign a higher premium. Cars that are often associated with more claims are usually those driven for pleasure, such as sports cars. Drivers of pleasure vehicles travel faster and may pay less attention to safety regulations. Sports cars also tend to become damaged more easily.

On the other hand, if the insurance company determines that your vehicle type does not usually result in many expensive insurance claims, it may assign a lower premium. For example, minivan drivers typically make fewer insurance claims and thus pay lower insurance premiums. This is because minivan drivers are typically carrying multiple passengers, so they drive more safely. Drivers of minivans also tend to travel less during peak traffic times.

Along with the profile of the driver and the safety of the vehicle, insurance companies also look at the cost of repairing your vehicle when determining your premiums. If repairs made to your vehicle would cost more than repairs made to most other vehicles, it is likely that your insurance premiums will be higher than the premiums associated with those other vehicles. In most cases, the more expensive the vehicle is, the more expensive the cost of repairs will be. For this reason, cars that cost more to purchase also cost more to insure, especially if the car is worth more than $60,000.

Regardless of the vehicle you drive, your age and driving history will also affect the value of your premium. If you are a young or inexperienced driver, your rates will usually be higher than the rate charged to a driver with more years of experience. Likewise, if you have a poor driving history with many insurance claims, your rate will increase. 

How Credit History Affects Auto Insurance Premiums

Many factors are involved in determining an auto insurance rate. The age of the insured driver, the vehicle type and the individual’s driving history are all key factors. However, there is a more controversial factor used by auto insurance companies, which is individual credit history. It is important for all drivers to consider the following issues.

Credit Scoring
Insurers perform a credit check to determine an insurance credit score. They use FICO scores and credit history to assign a number. Each insurance company has their own method of calculating this score. By looking at specific items on a credit report, the insurer connects each one with either a positive or negative aspect of driving. They do this because many studies have shown that certain items on credit reports relate to the likelihood of people filing auto insurance claims.

Predictive Modeling
The practice of connecting various credit report items with auto insurance is called predictive modeling. While credit was not always used in the past, insurers still used a driver’s age and record to determine rates. For example, individuals who have several traffic accidents or tickets on their record are more likely to file claims in the future. In addition to this, statistics show that younger drivers have more severe accidents due to their lack of experience. These factors have remained true over the years. Many insurers feel that credit should be treated the same way as these other factors. However, it is much harder for consumers to understand their methods. Several court hearings regarding this practice have ended with insurance companies being able to prove that specific credit items really do relate to insurance claims.

Credit Considerations
Each company has rules for what aspects of credit should be used to calculate insurance rates. As it is with the FICO calculation formula, insurance companies assign a specific percentage to various credit items. While the aspects they consider are similar to the credit bureaus’ considerations, the percentages they assign are much different than the FICO method. The common factors insurance companies consider are current debts, types of credit, payment history, length of history, account balances, recent inquiries and bankruptcies.

Improving An Insurance Credit Score
By working on the areas of credit most companies review, it is possible to improve a credit insurance score. Be sure to keep balances low, pay all bills on time, keep old accounts open and close retail store accounts. It is also important to avoid applying for several new credit cards. As a rule, insurers check an insurance credit score every one to three years. Individuals who are working on improving their scores should ask insurers to recheck them before renewing a policy.

Reviewing Individual Credit
Some items on a credit report may be inaccurate. People who have common names often see items that belong to other people with the same name. In addition to this, some people experience the nightmare of identity theft. When this happens, there may be a long list of inaccuracies on a credit report. Be sure to dispute them. If identity theft is suspected, contact the major credit bureaus directly. In some cases, it is possible to receive an exception from an insurance company while a report is being updated. For any concerns or questions about insurance credit scores, discuss them with an agent.

How to Make a Car Unattractive to Thieves

The rate of car theft is so high today that it would be a Fortune 500 company if stock analyst firms measured it. Although thieves may not be the most upstanding citizens in society, they have excellent organizational skills. Discriminating thieves will not just break into any random car to look around. When they make the effort to steal, they make sure it is worth their time and the risk of getting caught. In many cases, they may be after the vehicle itself instead of the contents of it. What they are after is economic gain, so they choose carefully. Unfortunately, people who own vehicles that are popular to buy usually also own automobiles that are popular targets for car thieves. This information may sound discouraging to many car owners. However, it is important to take the necessary steps to prevent theft.

To be better prepared and protected, vehicle owners need to know what to do to combat organized car thieves. The steps to better protection are not very difficult. The first goal should be to make the vehicle a difficult target. When thieves do a quick assessment on a car, they are likely to pass up one that is better protected. From their perspectives, they want vehicles they can quickly break into and take. There are several simple things car owners can do to make their vehicles less attractive to car thieves.

1. Never leave the keys in the ignition. Do not leave the keys sitting on the seat or in the glove box. Keep the keys in hand while the car is not occupied. More than 10 percent of stolen vehicles are taken because the keys are left in the car or in the ignition. Never leave the car running unattended, and do not leave children in it.

2. Lock the vehicle. About 50 percent of stolen vehicles are taken because they were left unlocked. Modern locks are difficult to pry, and thieves prefer unlocked doors. Be sure the windows are rolled up completely.

3. Do not hide a spare set of keys in or under the car. If this trick is so popular that there are special magnetic key holders in every auto supply store, rest assured that thieves know about them. Many car thieves watch their targets, so they may know exactly where to look for an extra key.

4. Choose attended lots over unattended areas. Vehicle thieves despise witnesses, so they try to avoid them at all costs.

5. Park under plenty of light. If a parking lot is dark and unattended, find a safer location. Thieves love places where it is difficult to be seen.

6. Limit key access in attended lots. Not all parking lot attendants are upstanding citizens, so it is important to be wary of them. When handing the keys over, only give attendants the keys to the door and the ignition. If the vehicle has a trunk with the same key as the door, have one of them changed. By doing this, vehicle owners can put important items in the trunk without worrying about lot attendants stealing them. Make sure any backseat access to the trunk is restricted. Always make sure the battery, spare tire and regular tires are in tact after returning to the car.

7. Never leave valuables in plain view. Leaving a purse or valuable item on a seat is like leaving a steak on the porch when there are stray dogs nearby. Valuable items are just bait for thieves.

8. Use the garage. Vehicle owners who have garages should use them. Thieves are not likely to want to break into a garage and a vehicle. They want something quicker and easier. Be sure to lock the garage and the vehicle.

9. Never leave the title or registration in the car. It is best to carry registration proof in a wallet that will not be left in the vehicle. Keep the title at home in a safe place. Thieves can use these documents to sell stolen vehicles.

10. Use the emergency brake. This increases car safety, and thieves will have a harder time trying to tow it.

Understanding Insurance Needs for a New Car

New cars bring the need for auto insurance, and liability coverage alone will not be adequate. Although it may satisfy the state’s legal minimum requirements, it will not be enough to compensate for most accidents. In most cases, vehicle owners have unpaid loans to think about, so repairs are almost impossible to pay for. Even spare parts are expensive if they are available at all. As soon as a new car leaves the showroom or lot, its value depreciates considerably. For this reason, the majority of vehicle owners feel safer with insurance that covers accidents, theft and natural disasters. Consider the following tips when looking for coverage.

1. Shop Around
People who are serious about buying a new car should start comparing various policies before signing the papers and taking the keys. The first step is to obtain quotes from several companies. These quotes are free, and they offer a reasonable estimate of what premium amounts will be. Some insurers may have cheaper rates than others. Several factors contribute to determining a premium, so it is very important to shop around.

2. Pay Attention To Comprehensive & Collision Insurance
Since people like to save money any way they can, they often skip extra coverage beyond the state-required liability minimums. Comprehensive coverage protects vehicle owners form a wide array of incidents aside from collisions. Natural disasters and several other calamities are covered. There are usually add-on policies available for hail damage or other specific events. Collision insurance provides money for damages resulting from an accident. The funds are available whether the vehicle owner was at fault or not. When compared with the cost of paying for accidents upfront, insurance is very affordable. For example, one accident where a person is at fault and two other injured parties are involved could easily cost over $100,000. If either of the injured parties sustained permanent injuries that require lifelong treatments, the at-fault driver could be in a financial mess for a long time.

3. Think About GAP Insurance
Many new car owners prefer this type of coverage. It provides funds for the difference between the vehicle’s market value and the unpaid loan amount. If a vehicle is lost or stolen, there will be adequate compensation. This is a great choice for people who own expensive luxury cars or have sizable loans to repay. When the amount of money owed is higher than the vehicle’s market value, GAP insurance is a good choice.

New Technologies Make Vehicles Safer than Ever

Many factors contribute to the longer average life spans of today’s world, and car safety is one of the major factors. With new advances in safety features, less people die in accidents today than they did several decades ago. Cars that drive automatically may seem futuristic, but so did many of today’s features several decades ago. Car safety technology is advancing rapidly. The following points provide some examples.

Adaptive Cruise Control
In the past, cruise control features simply set a desired speed. However, a driver paying attention to something else could still slam into the back of another vehicle. With new technology, there are sensors installed in many vehicles’ cruise control features to apply the brakes when drivers get too close. If a collision is sensed, the brakes will be applied hard. The seat belts will also tighten. This is not an invitation for drivers to give in to distractions, but it could prevent such mistakes from costing motorists their lives.

Tire Pressure Monitoring
Many vehicles are now required to have tire pressure monitoring systems. Wheel sensors alert drivers with an audible noise or panel light when pressure becomes too low.

Rollover Prevention
Many vehicles have systems for electronic stability control or preparation actions. New advances go beyond these features. If a rollover is sensed, the brakes will be applied. The throttle will also be automatically adjusted to help maintain control.

Blind Spot Detector
With this new technology, drivers are alerted when there are objects or vehicles in their blind spots. The feature is usually enacted when a turn signal goes on. The driver is alerted by a flashing light on the dash, a light in the mirror, a seat vibration or a steering wheel vibration. The detection system is only for short ranges.

Lane Departure Warning
This feature is similar to the blind spot detector. However, it determines an approaching vehicle’s speed. When a driver changes lanes, there is a warning signal. If the system detects the vehicle going over the lines on the road, it will also initiate a warning for this.

Emergency Brake Assistance
Emergency brake assistance is not the same as an anti-lock brake feature. This new technology allows the vehicle to sense a panic stop. When it senses a stop, additional brake pressure is applied to shorten the amount of time it takes to come to a complete stop. In some vehicles, this system works in conjunction with stability control or cruise control features.

Occupant-Sensitive Dual Airbags
Since each person is different from the next, low-risk airbags are being created to accommodate those differences. They can be used many times and have occupant sensors for deployment. In addition to sensing an occupant’s presence, these devices also sense odd positions. This means deployment will different for someone who is bending over to reach the radio versus a person who is sitting up straight.

Adaptive Headlights
Thermal imaging cameras and infrared lamps are helpful for night vision. New technology allows the vehicle’s controls to change the direction and height of the beams. There is also a cockpit display, which shows images far away that are hard to see.

Emergency Response
There are several new enhanced emergency response features in the latest vehicles. One system turns off the interior lights, shuts off the fuel and unlocks the doors after the airbags deploy. Some systems also turn on the hazard lights or disconnect the alternator and battery terminal. New systems may also include GPS data for emergency response units to use for locating the vehicle.

Rear Camera
These cameras protect children or pets from accidents in the driveway. Several unfortunate reports of people backing over pets or kids in recent years prompted this feature’s development. When the vehicle is in reverse, a camera appears on the dash or on a mirror, and it generates an image of everything behind the vehicle. The image range includes the ground, so small pets will be noticed. This camera feature is also helpful for hooking up trailers or parking. 

How Much Should Consumers Really Pay For Car Repairs?

With the average vehicle on the road being about 10 years old, it is apparent that Americans are keeping their cars longer these days. There are benefits associated with owning an older automobile. Drivers with older cars do not have to worry about making loan payments, and insurance costs are much lower. However, there are also disadvantages. Unexpected expensive repairs can drain a savings account. In some cases, the repairs may cost more than what the car is valued at. There are several Web sites with helpful resources for evaluating repair estimates.

Both RepairPal and AutoMD are free to use. RepairPal, which was started in 2007, is run by auto enthusiasts. Estimates from this company are based on labor rates, cumulative car repair invoices and prices of parts. An online auto parts retailer owned by U.S. Auto Parts operates AutoMD. The staff consists of certified mechanics and auto data specialists. These workers use the data gathered from average labor costs for each zip code, real-time pricing data and repair time estimates. DIY repair cost estimates are also available from AutoMD. Both companies offer zip code estimates for repairs. Estimates also include those of independent mechanics and dealerships for comparison.

Researchers conducted tests on both sites. They found that sample repair data entered into both systems produced similar estimates. AutoMD’s estimate was comprehensive. In addition to time estimates, it included price ranges for parts and labor. Prices for both dealers and independent mechanics were included. The estimates provided by RepairPal are for a range of overall costs. In addition to this, there is a breakdown of costs for labor and parts.

The pages on these sites are printable, so consumers can take the information they collect to dealers or mechanics. People who are also in search of mechanics can find local shops by searching a zip code on the site. AutoMD’s list shows request statistics, the number of mechanics at various shops, hours of operation, map location, shop details and contact information. In addition to specifying whether shops install parts provided by AutoMD partners, the site specifies whether a shop uses Chilton or Mitchell labor standards. RepairPal’s list is not quite as extensive. However, map locations, hours, reviews and specialties are included. Both sites are helpful to consumers, but it is still important for people needing auto repairs to decide whether they should use parts from a dealer or aftermarket company.

Benefits Of Pay-As-You-Drive Insurance

Usage-based insurance may also be called pay-as-you-drive insurance. It is based on a driver’s vehicle, the distance driven, the time spent driving and the driver’s behavior. When compared with traditional insurance, this type of coverage is much different. Traditional insurers attempt to reward the drivers they classify as safe, and their assessment is based on past documentation and the individual’s record. The new method uses current behavior instead of past patterns. With the traditional method, drivers must wait longer to establish themselves as safe or reckless drivers. However, the new method does not require as much time for drivers’ habits to catch up with them and affect their insurance rates.

Many transportation and environmental groups approve the new usage-based coverage. They claim it makes people more aware of what they are doing. For most people, this means they will drive more responsibly. It also encourages people to use their cars only when they need them. For example, driving a few blocks to the grocery store instead of walking would look less tempting with usage-based coverage.

How Usage-Based Coverage Works
The simplest form of this type of insurance assesses costs based on the amount of miles driven. When, where and how a person drives may also be factored in with several insurance models. Premium amounts are based on how much a person drives, and coverage is based on the vehicle’s odometer. To track how many minutes a car is in use, a vehicle-independent module is used to transmit data using RF technology or cellphone features. The time of day, speeds, distance, driving actions and time traveled are also sent regularly. Formulas can be basic enough to include only the amount of miles driven. Alternately, they may be much more complex and include a wide array of features. With advanced features, the device is able to determine if a person should pay a higher premium for speeding, using a cellphone while driving or driving for a long period of time without a break.

Another type of system in existence is telematic usage. This system uses a device that immediately relays information as it happens, which keeps a constant feedback loop for drivers. When drivers increase their risks, their premiums change immediately. Although some drivers may think this sounds intimidating, it is actually a helpful way to enforce good driving behavior and make the road safer. The following are benefits of usage-based insurance:

– People are more socially and environmentally responsible.
– Actual risk for each driver is assessed on a more concise and up-to-date basis.
– Consumers enjoy more choices between types of car insurance.
– Responsible drivers can save more money without having to wait to clear old records.
– High-risk drivers pay more, so they are less inclined to spend time on the road.
– For responsible young people, rates are not based on group averages of peers.
– With telematic coverage, continuous tracking may help people who are stranded or hurt.

To learn more about this type of insurance and to find out what options are available, discuss questions with an agent.

In the World of Cars, Is Bigger Always Safer?

When it comes to cars, is it true that bigger is always better…and safer? Based on an April 2009 study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the answer to this longstanding question is a resounding yes. The study shows that larger, heavy-duty vehicles are fundamentally safer than smaller, lightweight cars.

Considering recent announcements, this revelation is more important than ever. This May, President Obama unveiled his massive fuel efficiency plan. Under the new standards, auto makers will be ordered to increase the fuel economy of vehicles sold in the U.S. to 35.5 miles per gallon by 2016. This means manufacturers will have to produce smaller, more lightweight, fuel-efficient vehicles.

While supporters of the plan say it will help cut our nation’s greenhouse-gas emissions, opponents argue that the mandate will result in thousands more Americans dying or becoming seriously injured in auto accidents. Critics say that the number of auto fatalities could swell if hordes of “unsafe” subcompacts hit the road in coming years.

The physics behind car crashes

Why are bigger cars intrinsically safer? It all comes down to physics. According to the IIHS report, “These tests are about the physics of car crashes, which dictate that very small cars generally can’t protect people in crashes as well as bigger, heavier models.”

Based on the law of physics, when a large object crashes into a smaller object, the larger object creates a greater impact. This rule holds true for car crashes, as confirmed by the IIHS study.

For this study, the IIHS conducted three front-to-front crash tests, each involving a microcar or minicar colliding with a midsize model from the same manufacturer. The Institute did not use SUVs, pickup trucks or even large cars to pair with the micros and minis in the tests. “The choice of midsize cars reveals how much influence some extra size and weight can have on crash outcomes,” the report explains.

Instead, the Institute chose pairs of 2009 models from Daimler, Honda and Toyota because these auto makers have micro and mini models that have earned good frontal crash ratings in barrier tests.

According to the final IIIHS report, “In a collision involving two vehicles that differ in size and weight, the people in the smaller, lighter vehicle will be at a disadvantage. The bigger, heavier vehicle will push the smaller, lighter one backward during the impact. This means there will be less force on the occupants of the heavier vehicle and more on the people in the lighter vehicle. Greater force means greater risk, so the likelihood of injury goes up in the smaller, lighter vehicle.”

Real-world car crash statistics confirm this theory. In 2007, the death rate in 1 to 3-year-old minicars involved in multiple-vehicle crashes was nearly twice as high as the rate in large cars.

Good engineering makes a difference

Despite the recent IIHS study, some experts point out that vehicle safety doesn’t come down to car size alone. They say that quality engineering and design are more important to vehicle safety than the actual car size. Added safety features, such as front and side airbags, seatbelts with pre-tensioners and force-limiters, rollover prevention mechanisms, head restraints and crash avoidance systems can also greatly improve a vehicle’s safety.

Experts also say the size of a vehicle’s front end can determine how the car fares in crash. If a lighter vehicle is engineered with a large front end, creating a bigger space between the front of the vehicle and the front seat, the car would be much safer. That’s because a car with a large “crush space” decreases the severity of an impact and reduces the force to the car’s occupants.

Plus, auto makers can also reduce a vehicle’s weight without losing too much structural integrity by using aluminum, titanium or plastic. Unfortunately, most manufacturers steer clear of these materials because they carry a high price tag.