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Safest Used Cars for Teen Drivers

How does a parent find a safe used car for their teen to drive? The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) is helping parents out with its first list of affordable used vehicles, which meet important safety criteria for teens.

It has been well established that teen drivers are at higher risk of crashing. The Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI) has shown that certain vehicles increase this risk. Teens are more likely to crash when behind the wheel of a sports car or small car. Not only are teens more likely to crash cars like this, but these also offer little in the way of protection.

Unfortunately, teenagers are most likely to drive the least safe cars. Most parents don’t want to hand over the keys to a shiny, expensive car, and instead are looking for cheaper options. But older cars are missing many of the safety options that can be found in new cars today, like side airbags and electronic stability control (ESC).

You can view the IIHS list of recommended used cars here , along with some more information about keeping your teen safe on the road.

Here are the four most important safety considerations from IIHS:

Avoid high horsepower vehicles. Powerful cars tempt teens to push the boundaries.

Bigger, heavier vehicles are safer in a crash. Teens are also less likely to crash them in the first place. You may need to sacrifice gas mileage for greater safety.

Electronic Stability Control (ESC) is a must. This feature helps drivers maintain control on slippery roads and curves.

Try to get a vehicle with the highest safety ratings possible. Check with IIHS and the National Highway Traffic Safety administration for vehicle ratings.

If you have questions about insuring your teen driver or would like some more information on safe driving for teens please give us a call.

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