Our team discusses the best cars for new drivers in terms of safety.
Summary
- Teen drivers are at a higher car accident risk.
- Choosing the right car can minimize new driver car accident risk.
- The features of a new car can increase the safety of teen drivers.
A new driver’s choice of car makes a difference in how effectively and safely they will be able to travel. Picking the right car to suit your needs will ensure that you are comfortable and your car accident risk is minimized.
Teenage drivers have unsurprisingly been found to experience higher levels of car accidents than other demographics due to a lack of experience behind the wheel. This can be compensated for with a reliable vehicle and may save a teen driver’s life in the event they are involved in a motor vehicle collision.
If your young driver has recently been involved in a Minnesota teen car accident, it’s important to enlist a qualified personal injury attorney to protect their rights. Get in touch with the auto accident attorneys of Sand Law at (651) 362-4162 or fill out a contact form on our website for a free consultation.
Qualities To Look For In the Safest Cars For New Drivers
When choosing a car for a teen driver one of the first concerns should be safety. Ensuring that a vehicle affords a new teen driver a full complement of essential safety features can mean the difference between life and death.
While many teen drivers can end up being the cause of many auto accidents, other motor vehicle collisions involving teens may occur to no fault of their own. Preparing for the worst-case car accident scenarios means ensuring that a new driver’s vehicle provides the following safety features to reduce the chance of suffering a severe car accident injury.
- A full suite of airbags
- Anti-lock brakes
- Traction control
- Stability control
- Forward collision warning
- Blind-spot monitoring
The year of the vehicle has some bearing on the safety it can afford. As a rule of thumb, the newer the vehicle, the more likely it is to have better safety features. Older cars will still have airbags and even features like anti-lock brakes. However, they are unlikely to have useful tools like sensor-based safety features.
What To Avoid When Getting a Car For a New Driver
Some vehicles are less suited for new drivers and may present an additional unnecessary risk for teens still getting experience behind the wheel. For example, large trucks and SUVs are generally discouraged for inexperienced drivers.
While a truck or large SUV like a Suburban may have more structural resistance in a collision, their weight and size demand more spatial awareness and skill in handling the increased inertia.
It is also recommended to avoid purchasing sportscars or other high-horsepower cars for new drivers. Limiting the top speed of new drivers can eliminate the risk of severe collisions caused by speeding and risky driving behavior that is prevalent among this demographic; specifically among males.
Other vehicles to be avoided when picking a teen’s first car include extra compact cars such as Smart Cars, Mini Coopers, and Fiats. These vehicles are appealing for their city-friendly size and novelty. However, they tend to offer much less safety in a collision compared to other cars.
Best Options for Safest Cars for New Drivers In 2024
As a parent, you want to ensure your teen driver is protected in the event of a car accident. The safest cars for new drivers can also help them avoid a collision altogether.
Honda Civic
The Honda Civic repeatedly makes its way into top lists for starting vehicles and for good reason. The Civic is well-rounded, and a frequent Kelley Blue Book Award recipient. Most importantly, the Honda Civic provides a full suite of safety features parents can be confident will reduce car accident risk and fatality in case something does go wrong.
Toyota Prius
The Toyota Prius has a reputation as a vehicle that prioritizes fuel economy and efficiency over the typical selling points of horsepower and luxury. The Prius is a more utilitarian vehicle that not only saves money on gas mileage but also offers a high safety rating. The Prius is easy to maintain and one of the lowest-priced options for new cars for young drivers.
Kia Seltos
Some new drivers prefer a vehicle with more space which the Kia Seltos provides while also delivering safety and reliability. The Seltos is a sub-compact SUV that can provide ample space without hindering new drivers with the large size that is typical of other SUVs.
Mazda3
Hatchback vehicles like the Maza3 are popular among new drivers since they offer a compact frame that maximizes space. The Mazda3 is affordable, easy to maintain, and offers up-to-date safety features.
Subaru Legacy
Another choice of vehicle for new teen drivers seeking a simple and well-rounded vehicle is the Subaru Legacy. The 2024 Subaru Legacy is a modest vehicle that delivers in every category. It is fairly priced at $24,895 MSRP, offers all the expected safety features, and boasts a comfortable interior.
Choosing a Used Car For New Teenage Drivers
Most will not seek out a brand new vehicle for a first car due to budgetary concerns but that does not mean that there are not excellent options among pre-owned vehicles. Earlier iterations of the aforementioned vehicles are also good choices for the new driver. However, choosing an earlier year of these vehicle models should be done with caution.
The farther in years you go back in with a model of car, the fewer safety features you will get. Also, older used vehicles with more mileage will be less reliable and will need to be more closely monitored with maintenance.
It is recommended that you not go further back than 2013. Cars manufactured prior to 2013 are not guaranteed to have certain safety features required by the federal government. For example, they may lack traction control, stability control, and anti-lock brakes.
Contact Sand Law About Your Car Accident Injury Lawsuit
Sand Law has been assisting drivers injured in car accidents across Minnesota for years now. As a result, our team has developed a reputation as one of the most dependable law firms in the state. Our clients receive nationally recognized and award-winning legal representation. We have a record of success that has resulted in many positive testimonials from clients we encourage you to read.
Our firm is familiar with the obstacles car accident injuries can create. We will work closely with you to make sure that your personal injury claim attains the compensation for the car accident damages you need to get back on your feet. Sand Law can be reached easily and conveniently for a free consultation on your case.
We’ll help you start the process of setting matters right and getting you a satisfactory settlement. You can contact Sand Law about setting up a free consultation for your claim. Start by either calling our main office at (651) 362-4162 or filling out a contact form on our website.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy a new or used car for my teen?
There are a number of variables that can influence whether or not a specific used car may or may not be better than a specific new car for a teen driver. Ultimately, it comes down to the safety the vehicle offers and its ease of use for a newer driver.
Newer cars tend to have better safety features and are at lower risk of suffering mechanical issues. However, used cars that are not too old will still have respectable safety features. Their risk of experiencing mechanical issues can be minimized with proper maintenance.
Your budget will also play into this decision. Each driver will also have their own preferences so it is recommended you contemplate what you are looking for in a vehicle and start from there while consulting the contents of this post on the safest cars for new drivers.
Do electric vehicles make the safest cars for new drivers?
Electric vehicles are becoming more common and do pose many benefits. However, they may present more negatives than positives for new drivers. Since gasoline-powered cars are by far more common, it is recommended that new drivers become experienced in their use first before switching to an electric vehicle.
People who start out driving gas cars will have no problem switching to an electric vehicle. However, driver who only have experience operating electric cars may run into problems when faced with gas-powered cars.
Are motorcycles a good first vehicle for a new driver?
Motorcycles are significantly more dangerous than cars and inexperience is a factor in a lot of motorcycle accident fatalities. It is not recommended you start out with a motorcycle as your first vehicle. Scooters, mopeds, and smaller commuter bikes are less dangerous but overall still pale in comparison to a regular car as a first vehicle.