The risk of death among teen drivers is three times higher than for adult drivers over age 20. With our youth at such high risk, it’s important that the vehicles they drive offer the best in safety protection. Unfortunately, older vehicles, which are popular for drivers in this age group, are the worst cars for teens.
A new study published by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) finds that almost half of teen driver deaths occurred in vehicles that were more than 11 years old. Teens are more likely to drive older vehicles than adult drivers. Older cars are common among teen drivers because they are more affordable than purchasing newer vehicles, or have been passed down between family members.
Older cars are the worst cars for teens because they lack critical safety equipment and technology that can save lives in the event of a crash. Electronic stability control assists drivers in maintaining control of a vehicle. It is required for all vehicles manufactured in and after 2012, but it is not commonly found in the older model vehicles driven by teens. Older cars are not always equipped with the side and curtain airbags that provide vital head and torso protection during collisions. If you’re looking for a personal injury lawyer in Baton Rouge contact Simien & Simien.
When purchasing an automobile for a teenage driver, the IIHS advises that parents should look for vehicles that offer the highest level of safety for the price they can afford. Larger cars like sedans and station wagons offer more crash protection than smaller models and are safer than SUVs and trucks, which sit higher from the ground. Teens should always drive cars that have electronic stability control in addition to the curtain, side, and front airbags.
If your teen driver has suffered an injury in an automobile accident, contact the Brandner Law Firm to discuss your case with an experienced Baton Rouge car accident attorney.
