Driving an older-model vehicle or a hand-me-down car is a common rite of passage for many teenage drivers.

Given that teenagers have the highest risk of being involved in a wreck, most parents avoid buying their children a new car because of the expense. However, according to a 2020 study conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, teens’ higher crash risk may be among the best reasons to invest in newer vehicles.

Analyzing crash data from 2013 to 2017, IIHS found 62.4% of teen drivers involved in fatal crashes were driving vehicles between six and 15 years old. From 2008 to 2012, the figure was 65.4%.

When compared to newer models, older vehicles lack modern safety technology that protects drivers, such as side airbags, emergency braking systems and electronic stability control. The IIHS study also revealed teens driving cars less than 3 years old—vehicles that have standard advanced safety technology—accounted for only 3.7% of all fatalities between 2013 and 2017.

“Parents looking for a safe and reliable car for a new driver should consult with a list compiled by IIHS, and examine the safety features to make sure teens are going to be protected in the event of a crash,” said David Tenembaum, Virginia Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Co. actuarial manager.

“New vehicles offer the latest in both crash protection and crash avoidance for safety-conscious consumers,” he added. “In the last few years, many automakers have added numerous safety features like lane departure warnings, front crash prevention systems, blind spot detection and more.”

IIHS research also showed more than a quarter of teens involved in fatal accidents were driving vehicles classified as micro, mini or small.

Due to their lighter mass, smaller cars pose an increased risk to motorists because they cannot withstand collisions with larger, heavier vehicles. Additionally, the smaller front end of a small vehicle offers less protection than that of a larger one.

Finding the right vehicle

For the second year, IIHS has teamed up with Consumer Reports to publish a guide that lists affordable, safe and reliable vehicles for teen drivers.

Despite increased demand for new and used vehicles and supply shortages caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the two organizations have identified 61 vehicles between $6,400 to $19,800 that meet strict safety criteria.

The full list can be viewed online.

“With used car prices so high this year, it may be tempting to have a newly licensed teen make do with a clunker or to buy them the smallest, cheapest new car available,” said IIHS president David Harkey. “As usual, we’re asking families to put safety at the center of this decision.”