Safety Essentials for New Drivers
Learn more about what you should look for in a vehicle to help offset the inherent dangers of inexperience.

July 20, 2011 /24-7PressRelease/ -- When it comes to safety behind the wheel, there is no substitute for time-honored experience. Of course, young drivers or those newly taken to operating a motor vehicle have not had time to develop well-practiced driving skills and are subject to a few special safety concerns. As such, it is important to match new drivers with vehicles that complement their inexperience.

The Right Vehicle with Must-have Safety Features

Distractions, such as using a mobile device while driving, have negative effects on new drivers. Although it may not be possible to completely eliminate distractions for new drivers, you can facilitate crash-avoidance and better collision performance with the right vehicle.

It may sound appealing to place younger drivers in the biggest, heaviest vehicle you can afford, but this is not always the best option. Although large pickups or SUVs generally perform well in crash tests, they can be unwieldy to handle and are more prone to roll over. Likewise, sports cars or other vehicles with large engines and rapid acceleration capabilities are a poor choice. Since many new drivers are already prone to speeding, a performance vehicle can only exacerbate potential consequences.

Mid-size sedans with four-cylinder engines are usually the best choice for new drivers: they are large enough to absorb the impact of a crash, maneuverable enough to steer clear of sudden obstructions, and are not too powerful for new drivers to handle. As younger drivers tend to be harder on vehicles, something too expensive may not be a good idea either. However, it can pay to ensure that new drivers have a financial stake in the vehicle they are operating. Such a stake can encourage better treatment of the car and safer driving.

In addition to selecting a vehicle with the right attributes, you should look for a few key safety add-ons. Beneficial add-ons can include anti-lock brakes, electronic stability control, and curtain airbags.

Focus On Behavior

While the right vehicle features are important, protecting inexperienced drivers involves more than just providing them with the proper equipment. Talk to new drivers about the dangers of inattention, explain how to avoid dangerous driving situations, and set a good example when you are driving.

Inexperience can and does cause accidents. But, with the proper instruction and complementary vehicle safety features, a new driver is inevitably more prepared to meet the hazards of the road.

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