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Look For These Features When Buying a Car for Your Teen Driver

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Handing over a set of keys to your teen driver is a moment you’ll simultaneously cherish and fear. And although you can’t turn back the hands of time to when you child was far from driving age, you can help ensure the car he drives is dependable and safe.

When choosing a set of wheels for your teen driver, HowStuffWorks.com Writer Kristen Hall-Geisler suggests opting for a large vehicle.

“Little cars have plenty of safety features for practiced drivers; but for the newbie, nothing beats mass when you do the accident math. A low center of mass helps, too, so no SUVs,” advises Hall-Geisler.

The vehicle you pick should be equipped with these must-have safety features, according to ConsumerReports.org Writer Jeff S. Bartlett: Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Antilock Braking System (ABS), Forward-collision warning, head-protecting side airbags, and a backup camera.

Unless you’re willing to foot the bill for gas and assuming your kid is not a budding millionaire, Hall-Geisler recommends choosing a fuel-efficient vehicle.

“You want to look for a car that gets at least 20 miles per gallon (8.5 kilometers per liter), which isn’t too hard to do in the 21st century, even if you’re buying a big, safe car,” she writes.

Chances are you teen driver appreciates technology, and he will be happier with a car that boasts a modern infotainment system able to connect to his smartphone, according to Hall-Geisler.

“Newer cars respond to voice commands, which can keep distracted teenage paws off the touch screen in the center console — or worse, the mobile device they’ve propped up in the cup holder. Yes, talking to the stereo is still a bit distracting, but at least she’ll keep her eyes on the road, her hands upon the wheel,” Hall-Geisler writes.

By making safety, fuel efficiency, and technology designed to reduce driving distractions a priority, you’ll be able to choose a vehicle you feel comfortable letting your baby, I mean teen, drive.

News Source: How Stuff Works, Consumer Reports