Crash Safety

When considering a vehicle, no matter the age, it’s important to think about how well it will protect your teen in a crash. If you have a choice among vehicles, crash tests can help you determine which vehicle is safest for your teen. The video below shows a crash test involving two Toyota Corollas – a 1998 and a 2015. The newer Corolla is the white vehicle. Pay close attention to what happens inside the car.

IIHS and NHTSA provide crash test ratings for all makes and models of vehicles. Check the crash test ratings for any vehicle you are considering for your teen.

IIHS/Consumer reports car list

IIHS maintains a list of recommended used vehicles for teen drivers in a wide range of prices. If you plan to purchase a vehicle for your teen, this list will help you choose the safest vehicle for your money. You can find this list on the IIHS website.

Benefits of sharing a vehicle

Teens have very high crash rates during the first 6-12 months of unsupervised driving. One of the most important things you can do to keep them safe is to share a vehicle during this high-risk period. Teens who share a vehicle are less likely to be involved in a crash, in part because they drive somewhat less, but also because they’re more careful with the car. Sharing a vehicle can be challenging, but it has a big impact on your teen’s safety. Plus, insurance rates are much lower when sharing a vehicle, so you’ll save money!