It’s a day most parents dread, at least on some level. The day your teenager receives his/her driver’s license is a day when new issues of safety enter into your mind. Car companies tout their latest safety features and independent companies conduct and publish the results of safety tests. But, what should you consider when looking for a safe car for your teenager?

The factors to take into account (which also may be used by your auto insurance company when considering premiums) are:

• Crashworthiness—safety features that reduce the likelihood of death in the event of an accident.
• Vehicle structural design—safer cars have an enforced occupant compartment or “safety cage” and front and back ends that are designed to bend with a crash to absorb the force.
• Vehicle size and weight—larger, heavier cars offer better protection than smaller, lighter ones.
• Restraint systems—seat belts, airbags and head restraints work together to shield people during serious crashes.

When shopping for a car, other factors designed to avoid crashes also should be considered. These include: stability control devices, antilock brakes and daytime running lights. Antilock brakes prevent wheels from locking up when a driver is forced to decelerate quickly, which decreases, but does not eliminate, the chances of skidding, loss of control or long stopping distances on wet or slippery roads. Daytime running lights are activated when a car is turned on and usually are high-beam lights at a lower intensity. They allow other drivers to see you more clearly, even during the daytime, which may help prevent accidents.

Most insurance policies offer discounts for cars that have many of the safety features listed above. Your child also may qualify for insurance discounts if he/she has completed a driver’s safety course or maintains a certain grade-point average. Once you’ve found the perfect car for your teenager, contact us. We’ll let you know which discounts you may qualify for and make sure you have the proper insurance coverage for your child’s needs.