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Home > Accident Attorney > TIPS FOR CHOOSING A USED CAR FOR YOUR TEEN DRIVER

Written by Jelena Tiemann and Peter B. Tiemann

Last Updated : December 22, 2021
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Posted on Monday, July 18th, 2016 at 4:37 pm    

You protect them from the moment they come into the world but one day you have to let your children venture out into the world without you. From leaving them on their first day at school to worrying about them as they leave for their first date to handing them the keys to the car, parents do everything within their power to protect their children. Buying their first vehicle is no exception.

Many parents decide to buy their teen driver a used vehicle as their first car. However, if you are choosing a used car for your teen driver, you want to make sure that the used car is safe. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) can help. Because a survey of parents revealed that 83 percent of parents purchase a used car for their teen driver, the IIHS has released its list of best used vehicles for teen drivers.

How Does the IIHS Rank Used Vehicles?

The IIHS used four factors when ranking used vehicles for teen drivers:

  • Vehicle Horsepower – Higher horsepower vehicles tempt inexperienced teen drivers to drive at unsafe speeds. The IIHS recommends parents choose a vehicle with a lower horsepower for their teen driver.
  • Vehicle Weight – The IIHS recommends heavier vehicles for teen driver because heavier vehicles are safer and protect better in a collision. It did not include any minicars or small vehicles on its list of safe used cars for teen drivers.
  • Electronic Stability Control (ESC) – ESC helps the driver maintain control on slippery roads and in curves to decrease the risk of a car crash.
  • High Safety Ratings – When ranking used vehicle for teen drivers, the IIHS looked for a four or five-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and good ratings on moderate overlap front crash tests and side crash tests. All vehicles on the IIHS list also received good ratings on roof strength and head restraint tests.

For a complete list of IIHS used cars for teen drivers, visit its website.

Helping Teen Drivers Stay Safe On The Road

It is terrifying sending your teen driver out on the road alone; however, you can take steps to ensure your teen driver has a solid foundation of good driving habits. Below are tips to help your teen driver develop good driving habits.

  • Set a good example when you are driving. Avoid distracted driving, speeding, and other bad driving behaviors when you are driving. Your children learn from your example.
  • Spend time riding with your teen in various conditions including inclement weather, nighttime, dusk, rush hour, and interstate driving.
  • Enroll your teen driver in a driver education course.
  • Enroll your teen driver in the teenSmart online driving education program.
  • Set boundaries and limitations for your teen driver.

For more tips for parents of teen drivers, visit the TeenDriving.com Website.

Sacramento Car Accident Attorneys

If your teen driver is involved in a car accident, contact our office for a free consultation with a Sacramento car accident lawyer. Even if you believe your teen driver caused the collision, you should consult with an attorney before talking to the insurance company.

Call The Tiemann Law Firm at (916) 999-9000 or chat with a representative on our website to schedule a free case evaluation.

Categories: Accident Attorney, Accident Injury, Attorney At Law

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I highly recommend The Tiemann Law Firm! I had never before been in a situation where I sustained injury and had to seek legal representation. I was nervous, traumatized, and had no idea what to expect. Jelena, Peter, and their staff walked me through each step of the process. They explained everything in detail. They patiently answered all my questions, responded quickly to every email, text message, phone call, etc. I felt totally prepared for each new phase of the legal process. Furthermore, they were fearless in their defense of me. In certain situations, when I felt attacked or scared my attorney protected me like I was family. Their diligence, honesty, integrity, and compassion provided a true sense of healing and closure for my family and I. The Tiemann Law Firm accomplished more for me than I ever thought possible and I am forever grateful.

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No one wants to have to hire a lawyer, but if you do. I prefer Tiemann Law. They helped a family member who was injured on the job, and the company did not want to compensate him even though, the injury occurred on the job on company time. Jelena was always professional in explaining the lengthy process of fighting a large corporation. 2 years later he finally is receiving the deserved compensation.

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From the very start of my case the Tiemann Law Firm was wonderful. Perter came all the way to my home to sit down and talk to me about my options. He made me and my partner feel very comfortable and promised us he would take the very best care of my case. Peter kept me informed every step of the way and was always on top of things. everything was done in a timely manor and I always felt like I was the only case he was working on because he was so fast. In the end Peter got me back way more money than I ever expected. I would recommend this law firm to everyone. I am very happy with the outcome of my case thanks to the Tiemann Law Firm! Thank you!

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I was in a car accident a while back where I was injured and had to miss work for an extended period of time.  After nearly a year of fighting with the insurance company with no results and no progress, I met with Jelena Tiemann.  I couldn't have asked for a more responsive and supportive advocate.  We quickly reached a settlement and I finally was able to move from the stress and burden of feuding with my insurance.  I highly recommending meeting with Jelena if you're in need of a lawyer.