Waterloo Automotive

When it comes to teenagers, it may seem like they’re nocturnal—always wanting to stay up later and sleep well into the morning (or afternoon). It’s just part of being a kid, and we’ve all been there at some point. But when it comes to teens, a late bedtime can become a problem when school is in session. Whether they go to bed at 10:00 p.m. or 1:00 a.m., the alarm will still go off at 6:00, and it will be up to them to suffer the consequences. Falling Asleep While Driving Unfortunately, part of those consequences can and do involve auto accidents. Already the No. 1 cause of death among teenagers in America, drowsiness only adds fuel to an already burning fire as teenagers stumble out of bed, get behind the wheel and take a dangerous drive with half-open eyes. According to research from Liberty Mutual Insurance and Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD), teens who average less than eight hours of sleep a night are twice as lik ... read more

We all like to pretend that a winter driving accident will never happen to us but the truth is these accidents happen every winter to countless people. Rather than doing nothing and hoping for the best, be prepared for the chance that something could happen out on the road. Below you will find a checklist of things you need to prepare for before the bad weather hits. Winter Car Care Checklist Battery & Charging System – Make sure to get your car battery and portable charging system tested by a qualified technician. Have the battery terminals and cables checked to ensure that they are free from any corrosion and that the connection is tight. You want to make sure that your battery is fully charged and ready for the winter months. Car Belts & Hoses – Inspect the drive belts for any signs of cracking or fraying. You also want to have the cooling system inspected to make sure that you don’t have any cracked hoses or loose clamps. Wi ... read more

For parents, thinking about their teen driving during bad weather conditions can be a scary thought. There’s good reason for this and It is something best avoided. However, should you happen to find yourself driving through a storm or heavy snowfall, these teen driving tips will help you out. Bad Weather Driving Tips for TeensDriving in Heavy Rain Here is a good rule to follow. If you need your windshield wipers on in order to see then that means you also need to turn your headlights on. This goes for driving in rain, fog, sleet, or snow. Not only will it help your visibility but it will also help other drivers see you. It’s a good idea to increase the amount of space between you and other drivers when driving on slick roads. You should double or even triple the normal amount of space between you and the car in front of you. If the weather is making it too difficult to see then you should find a place to pu ... read more

Teenage alcoholism is a worldwide problem with over 60% of young people being reported as alcoholics. This is especially rampant among young people between the ages of 14 and 25. Just like any other drug, alcohol can cause serious problems ranging from social, physical and even death in some instances. The problems associated with teenage alcoholism are the same as what we see in adults including hangovers, headaches, shakiness, nausea and vomiting. However, teenage alcoholism can also result in lowered academic performance, legal problems and serious and long-term injuries. For these reasons, it is important for parents to devote serious time with their children to teach them about alcoholism, as well as the dangers of drinking and driving. Teaching Teens About Drinking & Driving It is common knowledge that parents cannot completely prevent their children from alcoholism but it is strongly believed that they can instil proper knowledge ... read more

What do you after getting involved in your first car accident? A teens first reaction is to freak out and then call their parents. Before you reach for your phone, slow down, take a deep breath and follow these responsible actions. Turn Off Your Vehicle The first thing you should do is put your vehicle into park and turn it off. If your car is sitting in a dangerous location or obstructing traffic then you should move it to the side of the road if possible. However, you should first know if this is legal to do. In some states it is actually illegal to move the vehicle out of the middle of the road after an accident. Make sure that you turn off the ignition. You do not know for certain what damage has been done to the vehicle and leaving it running could potentially result in a fire or further damage. Relax This is easier said then done. You most likely have a lot of adrenaline flowing through your veins at this moment. However ... read more

You can’t just rely on driver’s ed courses when it comes to teenage driving: parent involvement before and after your teen receives their driver’s license is key. In fact, according to the Governor’s Highway Safety Association, teenage drivers whose parents establish driving rules and supportively monitor teenage driving are 50% less likely to get in an accident, 71% less likely to drink and drive, 30% less likely to use their phone while driving, 50% more likely to use their seatbelt, and generally less likely to speed. Give yourself a little peace of mind by following our tips for preventing teenage driving accidents. Tips for Parents: Preventing Teenage Driving AccidentsSupplement Required Teenage Driving Education Depending on where you live, your state will have different requirements for teenage driving education. For example, if you live in St. Louis, MO, your teenage driver will need to complete 40 hours o ... read more

Have you brushed up on your winter driving tips? With November here and December just around the corner, colder weather is sure to move in soon. Especially in St. Louis and other parts of the Midwest, snow and ice storms are a normal part of winter. If you’re new to driving or you have a teenaged driver, now is a good time to familiarize yourself with winter driving tips so that you and your loved ones won’t end up stuck in the cold. Winter Driving Tips for Teens The best way to stay safe in winter weather is to avoid driving altogether. However, this might not be possible for you — so you should still learn these winter driving tips for the times when travel is necessary! Winter Driving Tips: Icy Roads Follow these winter driving tips when you’re on icy roads, and you should avoid accidents: Turn your headlights on to ensure other drivers can see you. When road conditions become icy, slow down ... read more

The seat belt is one of the most effective traffic devices that can prevent death and injury in an accident. It has been proven that wearing seat belts reduces the amount of getting injured by 50%. The increased rate of those properly wearing seat belts has been largely initiated by the “Click it or Ticket” campaign. This campaign has greatly aided in reducing the number of injuries and deaths in road accident since being put into place. Ways in which seat belts save lives Keeps the occupant inside the vehicle. In the case of an accident, a person who is well fasten with a seat belt is unlikely to be thrown outside the vehicle. Research has shown that people thrown outside are four times likely to be killed as compared to those who remain fastened inside a vehicle during an accident. Restrains the bodies strongest parts. The seat beat aids in restraining the strongest parts of the body that are more prone to injury ... read more

Teenage drinking is a risk that attracts many adolescents and teens. When young people indulge in teenage drinking, they often don’t realize the damaging effects drinking can cause in their lives, families as well as the community. Preventing teenage drinking and driving Car crashes that are alcohol related are the number one killer of most teens, especially during the months of prom and graduation when teenage drinking is higher. Peer pressure has always been another huge issue to deal with. Here you will find parenting strategies to help lower the risky behaviors of teenagers. Setting clear rules against drinking:Studies show that teens with parents who establish clear behavior expectations, monitors the coming and going of their teens and are not afraid to say no are less likely to engage in risky behaviors such as teenage drinking and driving. Feel free to be strict without feeling guilty and stress on one rule – “Never drink and drive ... read more

The teenage years are an age when most children seek more independence and freedom. This is the age that teens will want to explore and do many things without thinking about the possible consequences. At this age they usually get carried away with many activities such as friends, school and other activities that disconnect them from their parents. However, as a parent, this is the best time to strengthen your relationship with your teen so that you can always be in touch with what they become involved in. By having good communication with your child, the teenager gets to learn how to think for themselves and also make informed choices that will keep them away from danger. Keeping Your Teen Safe at Homecoming One good example is homecoming. Going to homecoming functions such as the dance is an exciting experience for many high school students but also an anxious moment for most parents who are left at home worrying about the safety of their teen. Wha ... read more