Vehicle Technology
Vehicle technology is advancing rapidly. New cars often have features like adaptive cruise control, blind-spot warning, and partial automation that didn’t exist a few years ago. It can be hard to tell what features a car has, what they can and can’t do, and how they work. It’s extra important for parents and guardians to know how these systems work in the car their teen will be driving. Consider trying them out yourself in different conditions, identifying when and where they’re safe to operate, and what the limitations are to each, so that you can teach your teen how to use them safely.
For general information on the range of modern safety features, the National Safety Council’s website mycardoeswhat.com is a good resource. However, to understand exactly how these systems operate in a specific car, manufacturer websites and owner’s manuals are important resources.
Note that while all of these features may help make driving easier, it is very important that you make sure your teen knows that the driver must pay attention to the environment and not over-trust the systems. There are many situations that technology won’t be able to respond to safely!
Look for knobs and buttons!
If possible, pick a car that has knobs or buttons for frequently-used functions like climate control and media. Some newer cars put these controls in a touchscreen that is more distracting and takes the driver’s eyes off the road longer than pressing a button.
A note on automation
Some newer cars offer varying degrees of vehicle automation, often using potentially confusing names like “Autopilot” or “Full Self Driving.” It’s very important to understand that right now there are no autonomous cars sold to the public, and all of these systems require drivers to pay attention to the road at all times and be ready to take over control.
It may be best for new teen drivers to learn without using these systems. This way they can develop the ability to handle emergencies and take over when the system encounters a situation it can’t handle.