Teen Driving - Don't Be Immediately Sold To The Idea Of Compact And Old
Posted on: 6 July 2016
Is it time for your teen to learn how to drive? If so, you likely have feelings of excitement mixed with fears about safety. Perhaps you are already at the point of looking for their first car, and you may be considering an older, compact-sized vehicle. There are a few things you should keep in mind and put into practice to ensure safe driving for years to come.
Consider the safety of used compact vehicles of interest.
Many parents prefer smaller vehicles for their teen drivers because they are economical and may be easier to drive than larger vehicles or "old clunkers;" however, some compact vehicles may have high incidences of rollovers. It is also possible that there may be a recall on some used compact vehicles, and the previous owners may have never taken the vehicles for repairs. This means that it is possible your child could be embarking on a dangerous drive, and it is also why it is imperative that you proactively seek answers and statistics before making the purchase. Some driving schools may be able to locate this information for you.
Weigh out the pros and cons of compact size for easy handling versus limited visibility on roadways.
Sometimes what is seen as a benefit may actually be a burden. For example, you may want your child to start out their driving adventures in a compact vehicle because you feel it will be easier for them to drive. You may not have considered that compact vehicles may be difficult to see in rear-view and side mirrors. They may also be difficult to detect in certain driving conditions, which may place your teen at risk for an accident.
Explore modern-day features that can make older cars safer.
Your plans to buy used and compact may be influenced by your budget. If so, consider enhancing the vehicle by purchasing standalone safety enhancements. A GPS device is an example of an enhancement that could reduce the chances of your teen getting lost or making a deadly turn, such as attempting to drive towards coming traffic in a one-way zone.
A driving school is a good resource to use to determine the best approach to selecting a car for your teen and teaching them defensive driving skills. They may have a variety of vehicles in their fleet that will allow your child to determine which sizes and types of vehicles they feel comfortable driving.
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