If you are the parent of a newly licensed teen driver, you know how unsettling it can be that they leave the house with the car keys in hand. Even the most responsible teen driver lacks the experience to react to unexpected hazards like inclement weather conditions or other motorists who are speeding or driving recklessly. While you cannot prevent these hazards, you can help ensure your teen’s vehicle is as safe as possible.
Looking for a safe car? There is a wide range of options when it comes to vehicles that have high safety ratings. However, while safety is a top priority, you must find a reliable vehicle that fits your budget. Choosing the right vehicle can ensure your child is safe when behind the wheel. If your teen driver is involved in a severe car accident, do not hesitate to contact an experienced car accident lawyer as soon as possible.
If you are considering purchasing a safe car for your teen driver, you may focus on the car’s cost while your teen is concerned more about what the car looks like than the cost or its practicality. Ultimately, the goal should be finding the safest vehicle you can afford. Keep the following factors in mind when choosing the right car for your teen driver:
- Avoid small compact cars. Larger vehicles are generally safer for all motorists. However, since teen drivers are at a greater risk of being in a car accident, it is essential to avoid driving small, compact cars or convertibles since they do not provide the protection that larger cars do.
- Consider a heavier vehicle. Larger vehicles like SUVs are more serious, providing additional protection from injuries in an accident compared to smaller, more compact cars. However, remember that particular trucks and SUVs have a higher center of gravity, which means there is an increased risk of a rollover accident, particularly if your teen driver is driving too fast when approaching a curve or making a sharp turn.
- Do not purchase a vehicle with high horsepower. There is no reason a newly licensed teen driver should be behind a sports car that can go from zero to 80 miles per hour in seconds. If you must purchase a smaller vehicle, choose one with a smaller engine. This can help reduce the risk of a speeding accident, resulting in more extensive property damage and severe injuries.
- Do your research. Before purchasing a vehicle for your teen driver, make sure that you research vehicles that have high safety ratings. You can make an informed decision by accessing the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s (IIHS) databases to see how certain vehicles rank and which consistently have high safety ratings.
- Opt for a vehicle that is equipped with driver-assist technology. Newer vehicles are equipped with a range of safety technology, including driver assist technology, which alerts drivers if they drift into another lane or get too close to the car in front of them. Ideally, you should also choose a vehicle with electronic stability control (ESC), which helps maintain control when driving slippery roads and curves.
How Common Are Car Accidents Involving Teen Drivers?
Car accidents are the leading cause of teenage deaths in the United States. In fact, according to the CDC, an average of eight teens are killed in car accidents every day and hundreds more suffer a range of serious injuries. Some of the most common causes of teen-related car accidents include talking or texting on the phone, changing the radio station, interacting with other passengers in the vehicle, and other distracted driving behaviors. Teens are also more likely to speed, which can be extremely dangerous when combined with distracted driving, driving at night when visibility is an issue, or driving during inclement weather when road conditions can be slippery. Teens are also less likely to wear their seat belts consistently. Finally, their lack of driving experience makes it less possible for teens to check their blind spots and pay attention to other motorists on the road.
What Steps Can I Take to Keep My Teen Driver Safe?
In addition to purchasing the safest, most reliable vehicle you can afford, there are other steps to help your teen driver make responsible choices and stay safe whenever they are behind the wheel. For example, model the behavior you expect your teen to follow when driving with your teen. Put your phone away, follow the speed limit, and obey the rules of the road. Have regular conversations with your teen about distracted driving, speeding, and other unsafe driving behaviors, and that there is a zero-tolerance policy for drunk driving. There are also online safe driving courses available that you and your teen can take.
What if My Teen Driver Is Involved in a Car Accident?
Whether your teen driver caused the accident or the other driver involved was at fault, the priority should be to seek immediate medical attention if they suffered any injuries. It is also highly recommended that you contact a car accident lawyer immediately. Teen drivers are often blamed for accidents simply because of inexperience or the assumption that they are careless and irresponsible. A car accident lawyer can assist you with the claims process and address your questions and concerns.
Cincinnati Car Accident Lawyers at Wolterman Law Office Represent Victims of Car Accidents
If your teen driver was injured in a car accident, do not hesitate to contact our Cincinnati car accident lawyers at Wolterman Law Office. To schedule a free consultation, call us today at 513-488-1135 or contact us online. Located in Loveland, Ohio, we serve clients in Hamilton County, Fairfield, Norwood, and Forest Park.