Time For Your Teen To Start Driving? 3 Safety Features To Look For When Purchasing A Used Car
Now that your teenager has their driver's license, it's time to buy them their first used car. When choosing a used car, it's important that you look for one that has the necessary safety features to keep your child safe while they're driving. Here are three important safety features you should look for when shopping for a used car for your teenage driver.
Anti-lock Brake System
In an emergency, you want to make sure that your child will be able to maintain control of their car – even if they have to slam on the brakes. That's where anti-lock brake systems come in. With anti-lock brakes, if your child has to slam on their brakes – such as to avoid an accident – they'll be able to maintain control of the car. Older braking systems will lock up when the brake pedal is pressed too quickly. When that happens, the vehicle can veer out of control, which can result in an accident. With anti-lock brakes, the braking system releases increments of pressure to prevent lock-up.
Electronic Stability Control
If your teen is just starting out as a driver, their experience in different types of driving conditions may be limited. Unfortunately, that inexperience can be dangerous when taking curves in inclement weather conditions. Maneuvering a curve during a rain or snow storm could prove dangerous, especially if they're going too fast for the conditions. Cars with electronic stability control – or EBS – can adjust for the conditions and prevent sideways slides. The EBS system is designed to control the stability of a car during a sharp turn.
Side Airbags
According to statistics, automobile accidents are the leading cause of death for teens in the US. The same statistics found that over 240,000 teenage drivers between the ages of 16 and 19 years of age were injured in car accidents in 2013 alone. To help protect your child in the event of a car accident, the car you buy them should be equipped with side airbags. Side airbags are designed to protect the head and/or chest during a serious accident.
If you're about to purchase a used car for your teenage driver, use the tips provided above to ensure that the car you choose comes with the proper safety equipment. For a list of other safety devices you should look for, be sure to speak to the staff at the dealership you'll be purchasing your used car from.