According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, teenagers drive less than most people, but their numbers of crashes and crash deaths are much higher. When you consider the number of miles driven, drivers aged 16-19 years old are four times as likely to be involved in crashes as are other drivers. Emphasize safety as well as cost when you're choosing your teen's first vehicle.
Teens often drive smaller or older-model cars because they're cheaper.
Unfortunately, small cars aren't as safe as large ones, and older cars often don't have modern safety features. Avoid performance cars.