Young drivers face a lot of challenges when they get behind the wheel for the first time. In addition to learning the rules of the road and getting comfortable making quick decisions, they also have to familiarize themselves with the ins and outs of their car. Although a lot of this will come with time, there are a few qualities that overwhelmingly make vehicles safer for teens.
Teens need to be protected
Researchers from the British Medical Journal recently conducted
a study examining safety on U.S. roads. According to the results, it's important for the parents of young drivers to focus on the safety features included in a vehicle. Fatal crashes are more likely to occur when the automobile has outdated amenities, with the likelihood of these accidents increasing as cars get older. That doesn't mean new cars are the only option, however, as many used models still offer helpful tools and similar perks at a lower price.
Size also matters when it comes to vehicles. Teens who were driving pickup trucks and large SUVs were less likely to be involved in a fatal crash than their counterparts in smaller cars, the study found. The reasoning behind this is in the design and materials used in the vehicles. The study noted that, because teens are more likely to be involved in crashes than older drivers, outfitting their cars with the latest technology and safety tools could be a major advantage.
"Larger,
heavier vehicles generally provide much better crash protection than smaller, lighter ones," the researchers wrote. "Newer vehicles generally are also more likely to have better crash test ratings and important safety features such as ESC [electronic stability control] and side airbags. Parents may benefit from consumer information about vehicle choices that are both safe and economical."
Educate teens for more success
One of the most important things experienced drivers can do for new motorists is encourage their education. Young drivers should learn the basics of
vehicle maintenance, such as checking the oil or changing a tire, so they can make quick repairs and get their car to an
auto repair franchise for more thorough work without delay.
Additionally, teens should be informed about how to react to accidents. Learning the safest ways to react to and limit danger could make a big difference in the aftermath of a collision. Teaching them to use the safety features to the best of their abilities could restrict the damage of an incident to just
auto repair rather than physical harm.