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Around one in every five new drivers will have an accident within the first eighteen months of driving. Whilst most of these accidents will involve little more than a bruised ego, some will result in serious injury or death. For concerned parents, there are a number of factors to consider when trying to buy the safest car possible for a child.
Why are Young Drivers More Likely to Have an Accident?
Young people often struggle to appreciate the power they have at their disposal. Most driving schools will utilise relatively small cars, with moderate speed and acceleration capabilities. Over-confident teenagers then often jump straight into larger, more powerful cars as soon as they’ve passed their test; the consequences can be devastating. Parents should start to consider their child’s first car as soon as driving lessons commence. There are a number of vehicles that provide excellent safety records whilst still looking good.
What to Look for When Purchasing a Car for a Young Person
Many people remember getting into their first car with a real sense of excitement and pride. However, all too often the car was affectionately described as a “banger” or a “runaround.” The safety features of cars show a continued trend towards improvement; therefore new cars should be purchased wherever possible. They have the latest airbag systems and improved side-impact technology. Where second-hand cars are being considered, a qualified mechanic should be asked to check that the vehicle is roadworthy.
The best way to check the suitability of a car is by checking it on the Euro NCAP website. This is a public body responsible for testing the overall safety of a car. An overall star-based rating system is used and cars can score anything from one to five. The websites allows users to enter the make and model of their car in order to view its safety ratings. As well as the overall score, there are four subordinate scores. Cars are scored in the categories of adult safety, child safety, pedestrian safety and safety assistance features.
There are several excellent cars currently on the market with five-star ratings, many of which cost £10,000 or less when purchased as new. Many accidents involving young people are a result of excessive speed or acceleration. As a very general rule, cars with lower horsepower ratings and those with smaller engine sizes won’t provide excessive power and speed. Regardless of the car being driven, it is always up to the driver to ensure it is being driven in a safe and considerate way. Many parents use the lure of a new car as an incentive for their children to take advanced driving lessons.
From Robert E. Meyers on behalf of Concept Car Credit, provider of quality used cars accompanied by affordable finance packages.
