The thought of giving over the car keys to a teenager can be daunting to parents, for very good reasons. Car wrecks are one of the leading causes of death for teens in the United States. With teenage drivers aged 16 to 19 being three times more likely to be involved in a fatal crash than those 20 years and older. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention).
Due to the factors that teenage drivers face, guardians and parents need to take extra care and precaution with picking their teenager’s first vehicle. Safety features, like Anti-Lock Braking Systems that prevent the wheel from sliding or locking up, should be considered. In addition, parents should shop for cars with Electronic Stability Control. This feature helps drivers gain control of the vehicle on slippery streets and curves. Some other features to consider are airbags (both driver and passenger sides) and seatbelt reminder systems that beep before the driver places the vehicle into gear.
On the other hand, when looking for a car that will promote your teen’s safety, there are some features and models to avoid. For example, sports cars with high performing engines cause teenage drivers to speed and push the limits of safety. Furthermore, keep in mind that SUVs and pickups are more likely to roll over in a collision.
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. The results are below:
Best New Cars For Teenagers
2020 Honda Fit
2020 Kia Optima
2020 Toyota Corolla
2020 Hyundai Sonata
2020 Toyota Camry Hybrid
Best Used Cars for Teenagers
2016 Toyota Prius
2016 Toyota Camry
2017 Kia Cadenza
Best New SUVs For Teenagers
2020 Ford Escape
2020 Kia Sportage
2020 Nissan Rogue
2020 Hyundai Santa Fe
Best Used SUVs for Teenagers
2014 GMC Terrain
2015 Chevrolet Traverse
2017 Kia Sorento
2019 Hyundai Tucson
Also, when selecting the safest car, teenage drivers need to know that driving is not a right, but a privilege. That privilege includes duties and expectations. No matter which vehicle you decide on, it is basically up to the teenage driver to make responsible decisions and create a safe driving history.
If you, or someone you know, have been injured in a collision and need assistance with their personal injury case, contact Bryant Law Firm, LLC, at (205) 267-8561.