Getting
your teen their first car almost seems like a rite of passage nowadays. Your
child might be over the moon at the prospect of finally getting behind the
wheel, but it’s understandable if parents feel a bit anxious. After all, it’s
said that the biggest safety threat to teens is driving on the road. This is
largely due to the fact that teen drivers tend to have the least safe types of vehicle,
according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
Before
you head out to auto dealerships to buy your kid a car, consider vehicle safety. Here are a
few tips that can help you as you go over your options.
Always Think Big
The
saying “bigger is better” isn’t always true, but in the case of vehicle safety,
these are wise words to live by. Smaller cars, even those that boast of several
high-tech safety features, simply have nothing on bigger, heavier rides.
Vehicle types such as SUVs have bigger crush zones and longer hoods, which give
them an advantage in frontal crashes.
Their
heavier built and frame also protects drivers and passengers from
non-collisions like rollovers. Forget about handing down your old sedan to your
teen. The extra money you will spend on a bulkier vehicle will be a great
investment toward road safety.
Go Slow and Steady
Sports
cars are hardly ideal for your child’s first vehicle for more reasons other
than its expensive price tag. Giving them access to higher horsepower and
stronger engines will only tempt them to put the car through its paces. Cars
with less horsepower discourages teens from speeding and other risky driving
tactics like aggressive lane-changing, running the red light and challenging
friends to races.
Dealers
recommend choosing the smallest cylinder and engine option available, as well
as the lowest horsepower trim. That should be sufficient for their needs until
they can handle something more powerful. You get better fuel economy in the
process, too. It’s a win-win for everyone.
Look at the Scores
Organizations
such as the IIHS and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
have made it easier for consumers to assess the safety ratings of the cars on
the market. They release reports for cars of each model year so buyers can
compare. Many, however, are unaware that crash test scores are different for
each vehicle class size.
You
might be confused as to why a small hatchback has the same safety rating as a
hulking SUV. This could lead you to think that both offer the same level of
protection, but that is not the case. Comparing safety ratings only work if you
do it within the same class size. If you want to make a more in-depth analysis
for cars in different classes, you can ask your dealer for help.
Being
a smart buyer goes a long way in keeping your kids safe on the road. Ask your
dealer for top safety picks to get you started on your search for the right
vehicle.
About McLoughlin Chevrolet
Offering both new
and used Chevrolet vehicles, as well as GM cars, McLoughlin Chevrolet is the
leading car dealership serving Oregon. We treat the needs of our customers with
paramount concern to ensure that they have a positive experience on their
journey to becoming a car owner. We also provide Chevy service, parts, and
repair so that you get the most out of your vehicle.
Sources:
Safety Rides
Shotgun, IIHS.org
