Tom's Blog
In case you’re planning to buy a used car for your teen this year, or you’re trying to decide which of your existing cars might be the best one for her to drive, the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS) is working hard to help you. For the first time ever, they have released their list of the Best Used Cars for Teenage drivers. The reason for this release is their research has shown that many teens are not driving vehicles with good crash protection or safety technology.
The IIHS is known for its top safety picks of new car models; but its research found that 83 percent of parents who buy a car for their teen buy a used car. In response to that finding the IIHS has compiled a list of affordable used models that meet important safety criteria for teen drivers. This list is segregated into Best Choices for cars under $20,000 and Good Choices for cars under $10,000.
Parents who cannot afford vehicles on either list are encouraged to buy a midsize or larger car, an SUV or a minivan with the most safety they can afford. Electronic stability control (ESC) is considered a must have particularly if you are buying an SUV or a pickup which are more prone to rollovers. The IIHS stressed the importance of side air bags and low horsepower as well:
The recommendations on teen vehicle choice are guided by four main principles:
Young drivers should stay away from high horsepower. Vehicles with more powerful engines can tempt them to test the limits.
Bigger, heavier vehicles protect better in a crash. There are no mini-cars or small cars on the recommended list. Small SUVs are included because their
weight is similar to that of a midsize car.
ESC is a must. This feature, which helps a driver maintain control of the vehicle on curves and slippery roads, reduces risk on a level comparable to safety belts.
Vehicles should have the best safety ratings possible. At a minimum, that means good ratings in the IIHS moderate overlap front test, acceptable ratings in the IIHS side crash test and four or five stars from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).”
Go here to get the IIHS first ever recommended list of used vehicles for teens.
If you’re looking for a 2014 model, those safety picks will be announced in December; so watch for updates.
Thank you for doing everything you can to promote teen driver safety.
Wishing you the best!
Tom
PS Please feel free to call my office if you have any questions about the material covered in this blog, or to find out how you can get the right protection at the lowest cost for your family.
