While many teenagers dream of the freedom that having their own vehicle can bring, driving is probably the most dangerous thing they do. So, if you are considering buying them one this Christmas, pay attention to the safety features on offer.
Kids probably won’t be wowed by features such as lane assist or anti-lock braking. They’re more likely to choose a car based on its color, hub caps or how fast it goes from 0-60 miles per hour. Yet, as a concerned parent, prioritizing safety makes sense for them and you.
Teen drivers have some of the worst crash rates, and it is the singular thing most likely to kill them. Safety technology can help make up for the experience they lack and make it more likely that if they do crash, they will survive intact.
Those are your two areas to consider
Anything that helps people stay on course, avoid hazards and brake in time reduces the chance of a crash. Things such as airbags and crumple zones help keep people alive if they do.
Does that mean I need to buy a new car for my child?
Newer vehicles have more safety options, but much of the technology has been around longer than you think. It’s just that sometimes the cars that have it are not the sort your child wants to drive.
You can also update the car with safety add-ons, such as cameras, to help them reverse.
While car ownership is an important milestone for many teens, it only takes one negligent driver to put them in hospital, or worse, leave you selecting headstones. Seek legal help if someone injures your teen driver.