What Are the Safest Cars for Your Teenager?

When a parent is trying to help their teenage daughter or son pick out a car, the number of choices can be overwhelming, especially when deciding which vehicle is the safest. Below we discuss the risks facing teen drivers along with a list of some of the safest cars for your child. 

Teenage Crash Facts

In the United States, over 8.3 million drivers are between the ages of 16-19. Some crash statistics regarding teen drivers:

• In 2020, about 2,800 teenagers were killed, and 227,000 were injured in motor vehicle crashes. 
• Teenagers are the only demographic that drives less than elderly people but has the highest risk of crashing. In fact, per mile driven, teens are three times more likely to have a car crash. 
• In a recent year, about 12% of fatal accidents involved a teenage driver.
• Since the 1980s, fatal crashes involving teenage drivers have decreased.
• Males are twice as likely as females to be in a fatal crash. In a recent year, 1,577 males were killed in car crashes versus 797 females.
• In a recent year, Indiana experienced 102 teenage deaths due to car crashes, making up 12.6% of total fatalities. 

As the data reflects, males are more likely to be in a fatal car crash. Additionally, teens who have recently acquired their license, or are in the company of other teenagers or young adults, are at a higher risk of crashing. 

Factors Contributing to Teen Car Accidents

Teenagers have a greater chance of being involved in a car accident due to the following factors:

1. Inexperience: teenagers are unable to recognize dangerous situations and how to handle them when they arise
2. Nighttime and weekend driving: the fatalities among teen motorists increase at night (about three times as high as adult motorists) and on the weekends (50% of teenage fatalities occurring between 9 pm to 6 am on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays)
3. Failing to use seat belts: In 2020, 56% of teenagers involved in a fatal crash were not wearing a seat belt
4. Distracted Driving: teenagers who do not give their full attention to the road are more likely to be in a car crash. In a recent year, 39% of young drivers admitted to texting or emailing while operating their vehicle
5. Alcohol and/or drug use: alcohol is more likely to compromise the judgment of a teenage driver. In 2020, 29% of teenage drivers who died in a car crash had been drinking.

Each factor plays a significant role in teenage crash fatalities. Our car accident attorneys will be able to examine the circumstances surrounding a crash to determine if another party contributed to your child’s death.

What are the Safest Used Cars for Your Teenager?

Finding a dependable car is vital to keeping your child safe. Teenagers often assume that they are ready to handle any obstacles on the road, causing them to make poor choices. It is essential that your teen driver is operating a vehicle with a high safety ranking.

Safety ratings for used and new vehicles are based on crashworthiness and crash avoidance and mitigation. Additional safety features will further enhance the vehicle’s reliability. 

While crashworthiness is the ability of a vehicle to keep its occupants safe during impact, crash avoidance and mitigation is the driver-assistance system that reduces the severity of a crash. 

While crashworthiness tests range from Poor to Good, crash avoidance and mitigation range from basic to superior.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and Consumer Reports have compiled a list of the best used cars for teenagers to drive. 

All vehicles that make the list must have “Good” crash test ratings in moderate overlap frontal crash tests (when two vehicles of the same weight experience a frontal crash traveling just under 40 miles per hour), side crash, roof strength, and head restraints. 

Each car is required to have a 4- or 5-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

The following five used vehicles are considered to be the top choices for small and mid-sized used cars ranging from least to most expensive:

1. 2013 Subaru Legacy (Price: $7,800)—midsize car

If you are looking for a dependable option that will not break the bank, look no further than the Subaru Legacy. Model years range from 2013-2021. The 2013 Subaru Legacy makes the Top Safety Pick+ list.

Crashworthiness: “Good” ratings for four crashworthiness tests: moderate overlap frontal crash test, side crash test, roof strength, head restraints, and seats 

Crash avoidance and mitigation: ranks “Superior” on front crash prevention (vehicle-to-vehicle)

Includes standard daytime running lights and optional lane departure warnings.

2. Mazda 3 Sedan or Hatchback ($9,100)—small car

If you are working with a limited budget, the Mazda 3 is worth exploring. The model years range from 2014-2020. This is a 4-door sedan.

Crashworthiness: Overall “Good” ratings for five crashworthiness evaluations: frontal crash test (small overlap front and moderate overlap front), side crash test, roof strength, and head restraints and seats

Crash avoidance and mitigation: ranks “Advanced” on front crash prevention (vehicle-to-vehicle)

Includes standard daytime running lights, optional blind spot detection, and optional lane departure warning

3. 2015 Subaru Outback (Price: $12,200)—midsize car

This vehicle is a good choice if you are trying to get more “bang for your buck.” The 2015 Subaru Outback made the Top Safety Pick+ list. It is a 4-door wagon, with model years ranging from 2015-2018 and 2022.

Crashworthiness: “Good” ratings for five crashworthiness tests: small overlap frontal crash test (driver side), moderate overlap frontal crash test, side crash test, roof strength, and head restraints and seats

Crash avoidance and mitigation: “Superior” for front crash prevention (vehicle-to-vehicle)

Includes standard daytime running lights, optional blind spot detection, and optional lane departure warning

4. 2014 Toyota Prius (Price: $12,900)—small car

If you are able to spend a little more, then the 2014 Toyota Prius is worth checking out. The 2014 Toyota Prius made the Top Safety Pick + list. This is a 4-door hatchback.

Crashworthiness: “Good” ratings for four crashworthiness evaluations: moderate overlap frontal crash test, side crash test, roof strength, and head restraints and seats, “Acceptable” rating for small-overlap front driver-side crash test

Crash avoidance and mitigation: “Advanced” for front crash prevention test (vehicle-to-vehicle)—for May 2013 and newer models

5. 2018 Subaru Impreza sedan or wagon (Price: $14,500)—small car

This a small car with a lot to offer. Two model years are available: 2018 or 2022. Both the sedan and wagon make the Top Safety Pick+ list. It is a 4-door vehicle.

Crashworthiness: “Good” ratings on six out of seven crashworthiness tests: small overlap frontal crash test (driver-side and passenger side), moderate overlap frontal crash test, side crash test, roof strength, and head restraints and seats

Crash avoidance and mitigation: ranks “Superior” for front crash prevention (vehicle-to-vehicle)

Includes standard daytime running lights, optional blind spot detection, optional lane departure warning, and optional lane departure prevention

All of these vehicles have dry braking distances of less than 140 feet when coming to a stop at 60 miles per hour. Each car has vehicle-to-vehicle automatic emergency braking and electronic stability control. You can rest assured that you are providing a safe vehicle for your child.

Contact an Indianapolis Car Accident Attorney

As a parent, you take all preventive measures to keep your teenage child out of harm’s way. Sadly, not all accidents can be avoided. If your child has sustained injuries in a car crash, they may be entitled to compensation. 

We are more than happy to review your case. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation.