In the past three years, over 2,000 teens were killed in a car accident. This concerning number has many parents wondering how they can avoid this tragedy.
Luckily, with the best driver’s ed program and the safest cars for teen drivers, you can avoid this horrible disaster. So if you want to know what are the best cars for teen drivers, then keep reading this article!
Insurance for Teen Drivers
Getting car insurance for your teen can be frustrating. And your premium may go up if you choose to add them to your existing account.
In fact, you might see a 150 % increase in your premium. And, if you’re adding a male to your plan, the inflation rate will be higher. This is because males are two times more likely to be involved in a car accident.
And you also have to think about the type of car you’re getting insured. For example, most sports vehicles have a higher premier than a regular sedan.
This is why it’s important to know about the safest cars for teens. This way, your teen will be safe and you don’t have to pay more fees!
How to Get Affordable Car Insurance for Teen Drivers
First time driver car insurance does not have to be overly expensive. If you look, you can find several discounts from your provider.
For example, some insurance companies offer great discounts if your teen has a good GPA. Some even offer discounts to teens who participate in sports or other extracurricular activities. Overall, remember to look for the best insurance companies and ask them if they offer discounts!
What Are the Big Three Safety Features?
On average, most families look for a vehicle that is 2013 or newer. If you’re also within this budget, ensure these three safety features are in the vehicle.
First, we have the anti-lock brakes. This system supports traction and stability control. More importantly, it automatically adjusts the brakes to increase stopping, all while letting the driver drive around any obstacles.
Next, we have traction control. This system helps measure acceleration via the anti-lock brakes, which slow the spinning tires.
Lastly, we have stability control. This system uses the anti-lock brakes to utilize braking on the appropriate wheel or wheels. This system helps current a slide and mostly comes in handy during rain or snow.
A rearview camera will most likely already be in a vehicle that is 2017 or newer, being that the government enforced rearview cameras for new vehicles.
If you can afford a new vehicle for your teen, ensure that it has the 3 safety features that we mentioned above. Unfortunately, some of these features are not available for older models. You can look on Kelley Blue Book, to see what features are available for any potential vehicle.
Other Safety Features to Consider
The big three safety features are important but there are also other features to consider. For starters, the forward collision has sensors that can monitor what’s ahead of your car.
This system also tracks your speed and if it detects a possible crash collision, it will release a warning sound. And if you don’t respond to the warning by pressing the brakes, the system will do it for you!
Another great safety feature is blind-spot monitoring. This system utilizes sensors and cameras, to detect vehicles in the neighboring lanes that may be in your blind spot. Typically, the system works by giving your a visual and sound warning on your side mirrors.
Smaller Safety Features to Think About
There are also other factors like automatic headlights, at least 6 working airbags, automatic high beam light for night driving, cruise control, and adjustable seats.
However, these are not necessary but they do provide an extra level of protection. Lastly, many of the safety features we mentioned above are associated with these carmakers:
- Chevrolet
- Toyota
- Mazda
- Lexus
- Hyundai
- Ford
- Volkswagen
- Toyota
- Kia
All of these vehicles have different safety features. So if you want to learn more about specific make and models then keep reading!
How to Choose a Car for Your Teen
A lot of new car models will list out their safety features and will claim to be safe vehicles for new drivers. However, keeping your teen safe on the road will require you to do some extensive research! Luckily, we’ve provided a concise list of the best new and used cars for teen drivers.
Be aware that you’ll have to adjust the car’s total value with the security features. For example, newer car models will have the best safety features. However, if you’re on a budget, a brand new car will not be practical.
But once you have a secure budget, you can begin making plans. And if you plan on looking at used cars for teen drivers, then factor in any potential repairs to your vehicle.
2014 Mazda3
One of the best cars for teen drivers is the 2014 Mazda3. This vehicle is a part sedan with hatch features. And it’s a good vehicle as far as safety goes. The vehicle earned NHTSA’s 5-star rating and a TSP+ pick.
The safety features for this vehicle are really good considering it’s technically an old model. For starters, it has ABS with electronic brakeforce, breaks assistance, six airbags, traction control, and stability control.
The Touring model also has a blind-spot monitoring system and rear cross-traffic alert. Overall, the safety features for this Mazda are a great option if you’re looking for the best-used cars for teen drivers.
2018 Kia Sportage
Next, we have the 2018 Kia Sportage. This SUV was tested and scored very high in several crash tests.
The Kia model provides fog lights, automatic high beams, and a de-icer on the windshields. Lastly, this vehicle is also equipped with a great navigation system!
2017 Toyota RAV4
One of the safest cars for teens is the 2017 Toyota RAV4. This vehicle earned the IIHS accolade for the “Top Safety Pick”.
This vehicle offers a full range of superior safety features. For example, the SE model has adaptive cruise control, LED headlights, fog lights, dual-zone automatic climate control, lane-keeping assist, lane-departure warning, and automatic high beams.
2019 Toyota Prius
The 2019 Toyota Prius is a hybrid vehicle known for its security features and reliability. The LE model is one of the best cars for teen drivers since it offers driver assists and advanced safety features.
This model also includes Bi-LED headlights, climate control, parking sensors, cruise control, automatic high beams, and lane-keeping assist. And although it’s not a safety feature, we still thought it was a good idea to mention the fuel economy which is 56 mpg.
2019 Subaru Crosstrek
The Crosstrek is Subaru’s is another great SUV with promising safety features. The Premium trim offers a few more safety features. For example, it has an all-wheel-drive, fog lights, automatic climate control, windshield de-icer, cruise control, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist.
2020 Toyota Corolla
The 2020 Toyota Corolla offers a compact sedan feel with enough space to hold standard equipment. This vehicle also received NHTSA’s 5-star rating.
The LE trim level offers the best safety features. For example, it has hill-start assist, integrated turn signals, heated mirrors, traffic-sign recognition, cruise control, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist.
2019 Mazda3
Lastly, the 2019 Mazda3 is a great option if you want to upgrade to the 2014 version. This vehicle was tested and received an excellent score for its crash safety features.
The Select model also has LED headlights and taillights along with outboard mirrors. Lastly, this vehicle also has integrated turn signals, dual-zone automatic climate control, eight airbags ad lane-departure warning.
What to Avoid When Looking for a Vehicle
If you’re looking for the safest car for teens then a sedan will be your best option. So avoid large trucks or and sports cars. Your teen may want to have a “cool” car. However, these kinds of vehicles will only influence your teen to speed.
You should also avoid cars that have a large body. You may think this will protect your teen in the case of a crash. However, bigger cars are harder to manipulate and move, especially if you’re a new driver.
Lastly, avoid any vehicles with a high-horsepower. Even the best drivers can lose control of a high-powered vehicle and crash! Not to mention, these vehicles often have high insurance premiums!
The Safest Cars for Teen Drivers Made Easy
Hopefully, this article has guided you towards the safest cars for teen drivers. But always remember to do extra research before purchasing any vehicle to ensure the longevity and safety of the vehicle!
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