Vehicle safety was a hot topic at Detroit's 2011 North American International Auto Show. Not surprising, considering a recent survey shows safety trails only fuel efficiency in consumers' purchase importance. Carmakers are obviously listening—multiple companies showed off vehicles with safety features beyond the realm of possibility a few years ago.
As a leader in developing and promoting safe driving programs—including our Allstate Teen Driver initiative that rewards safe driving—Allstate believes that safer cars help create safer drivers.
For parents of a teen driver, handing over the keys can be nerve-racking. Multiple carmakers are joining Allstate in countering distracted and unsafe driving by teenagers. One new feature parents will appreciate is the ability to set a maximum top speed anytime a teenager is driving. For parents, the benefit is obvious: no more worrying that your teen driver is driving 80 when the car simply won't allow speeds over 55.
Other improvements—including additional airbags and side curtain airbags, plus new head restraints and knee bag options—offer refinements to existing technologies.
Carmakers continue harnessing technology to prevent accidents before they have a chance to happen. Many accidents involve side collisions, so one new feature aims to prevent accidents at intersections by audibly and visually alerting drivers when another car approaches the intersection or enters the vehicle's blind spot. Another impressive piece of technology actively monitors a driver's cornering path and automatically make any needed adjustments.
One boon to drivers is that cutting-edge technology introduced at shows like the NAIAS often becomes widely available in just a few years. Now-common features like anti-lock brakes and smart security systems were expensive options only a few years ago. Today, they're so common Allstate and other insurers routinely offer auto insurance discounts for them.
Over the past few years, consumers have become increasingly aware of safety ratings and automakers keep responding with more and more safety features. Technology alone may not make vehicles accident-proof, but today's cars are safer than ever—with more safety features rolling out every year.
Great news, because at Allstate, safe drivers can save 45% or more on their car insurance. In fact, Allstate offers over a dozen discounts on auto insurance. Get a no-obligation online quote today or call us at 1-866-621-6900 to see how much you could save by switching to Allstate.