Teen drivers are at higher risk of being involved in a crash during their novice years than at any other point in their driving careers. In addition to teaching teens about safe driving techniques and forbidding hazards such as drunk, distracted and drowsy driving, parents can help to reduce the likelihood of their teens being involved in car accidents by ensuring that the vehicles they drive are safe.
A good rule of thumb is that when you are deciding between two vehicle models, always opt for the one boasting the most effective and advanced safety features. Preventing car accidents is not always possible. However, reducing the risk that your teen will become injured or perish in a crash can be prevented in many cases if the vehicle he or she is driving is as safe as possible.
If you are purchasing a used vehicle, make sure that the air bags in the car have not been replaced with models recently recalled as defective. Auto sellers were not obligated to replace many of these defective air bag models, so it is imperative that you do your research with regards to this critical safety feature.
In addition, make sure to question auto sellers about engine displacement. This feature saves lives by helping to ensure that the vehicle’s engine does not enter the cabin upon frontal-crash impact. Also consider Bluetooth capability, so that your teen will not be tempted to use his or her hands-on cellphone while driving.
Allowing your teen to navigate a massive vehicle can be intimidating. Purchasing a safe and reliable vehicle should not be.
Source: Daily Comet, “Safety a concern when buying a teen’s car,” Sable LeFrere, Jan. 5, 2013