The thought of handing over the car keys to a teenager can be unsettling for parents, and for good reason. Motor vehicle crashes are one of the leading causes of death for U.S. teens, with drivers aged 16 to 19 being three times more likely to be in a fatal crash than those 20 years and older. (Source: CDC).
Because of the factors that teen drivers face, parents and guardians should take extra care and precaution into choosing the teenager’s first vehicle. They should consider certain safety features such as Anti-Lock Braking Systems that prevent the wheel from sliding or locking up. Also, parents should look for vehicles with Electronic Stability Control (ESC), which helps drivers keeping control of the vehicle on curves and slippery roads. Other must-have features include airbags (both driver and passenger side) as well as a seat belt reminder system that beeps before the driver puts the car into gear.
Alternatively, when you are searching for a vehicle that is going to maximize your teen’s safety, there are certain features and models to stay away from. Sports cars with high-performance engines tend to encourage young drivers to speed and test the limits of safety. Also, it is important to keep in mind that SUVs and pickup trucks are more likely to roll over in a crash.
U.S. News and World Report recently ranked the best new and used vehicles for teenagers. The publishers based their rankings on: overall quality, price, cost of ownership, predicted reliability, high safety ratings, and accident-avoidance technology. Here are the results:
Best New Cars For Teenagers
2019 Honda Fit
2018 Hyundai Ioniq
2018 Toyota Camry
2018 Toyota Prius Prime
2018 Toyota Camry Hybrid
Best Used Cars for Teenagers
2014-2015 Buick Verano
2015 Toyota Camry
2015 Buick LaCrosse
Best New SUVs For Teenagers
2018 Kia Sportage
2018 Hyundai Tucson
2018 Volkswagen Tiguan
Best Used SUVs for Teenagers
2014 GMC Terrain
2015 Chevrolet Traverse
In addition to selecting the safest vehicle, teenagers need to be aware that driving is not a right, but a privilege. With that privilege comes responsibilities and expectations. Regardless of which vehicle you choose, it is ultimately up to the driver to make good decisions and establish a safe driving record.
If you, or someone you know, has been injured in an accident and needs help with their personal injury case, contact Atlanta Personal Injury Law Group - Gore at (404) 436-1529.