Seeing your teen get his or her driver’s license can fill you with a mixture of pride and dread. You’re happy that they are taking an important step, of course, but you’re also likely very worried about their safety. If you’re trying to figure out what type of car is safest to buy for your new driver, you might want to look at some of the factors listed below.
Size
Size does play a part when it comes to vehicle safety, but not always in the way you might think. Yes, larger cars are generally more resistant to direct collisions than smaller cars, but they’re also more liable to flip over during inclement weather conditions or when hit on the side. You’ll want to weigh the pros and cons of each when choosing a vehicle depending on your climate and the type of traffic you get in your area. In general, however, heavier is safer when it comes to collisions.
Style
The next factor to look at is style. Generally speaking, you’re going to want a style of car that’s known for being safe – a sedan or a crossover, for example. Cars with larger front ends will give better protection against front-end impact than smaller cars, so letting your teen drive the family sedan may be safer during their learning years. Vehicles with a lower center of gravity also tend to do better in avoiding flips on sharp turns and collisions. You can also look up crash tests for particular models and find which performs the best under collision.
Safety Features
The most important thing you’ll want to look at is safety features. Seatbelts and airbags might come standard, but they’re just the tip of the iceberg. Look at features like blindspot detection, back-up cameras, and lane-change assist. All of these features tend to be available in 2018 models and up, though some brands carry them as far back as 2016. If safety features are your biggest priority, then take some time to look at different models so you can get the best price for your teen’s needs.
Insurance
Finally, you’ll want to take a look at the insurability of a car. If an insurance company quotes you a wildly high premium for one vehicle over another, it’s because that first vehicle has a reputation for being less safe. You’ll definitely want to work with your insurance company to not just find an affordable premium, but to figure out which factors make the insurance company the most comfortable with young drivers. The style may effect the insurance as well, even though trucks are heavier and potentially safer than smaller cars. These factors usually decrease the likelihood of dangerous driving and accidents, so don’t be afraid to talk to the insurance company after visiting your Chevy Truck Dealer to get a second opinion on your vehicle if you’re considering going bigger for your teen.
Choosing the right car means balancing a number of different factors. If you do your research and are careful, though, you can find a car that gives your new driver the freedom they want while still keeping them safe. There are always risks on the road, but you can help to minimize them by finding the right vehicle.