What should parents look for in a car for their teen driver? Here is what the experts say.
- Teens dream of the fancy souped-up sports car but that certainly isn’t the safe choice for young, inexperienced drivers.
- Teen drivers, between the ages of 16 to 19 are far more likely to have a crash than any other group.
- Teens tend to underestimate dangerous situations and they don’t always react to them appropriately.
- It is hard for a mature, experienced driver to always make the right snap judgment call when behind the wheel to avoid an accident. Everything happens way too fast. When you are brand new at driving it gets worse.
Before you pick a car based on price or looks, think about reliability and safety first; then choose the safest car you can afford to buy. Airbags, stability control, and excellent tires are a good start. Large to mid-size cars are safer than small cars because they are heavier.
When you narrow down your choice of vehicle, check out the safety ratings on nhtsa.gov.
If you are buying a used car, please have it inspected carefully by your car care provider and let them know it is for a teen driver as they may be able to give you more insight into the safety of the vehicle. Check to make sure if the vehicle had any recalls and if they have been taken care of.
Certified Auto Specialists: the friendlier and more helpful auto shop! Feel free to call 626-963-0814 with any questions and we will be glad to help, or visit our website at CertifiedAutoCa.com.
