Getting Real With Shadra Bruce
Is there an ideal car for a teenager? Dave and I started having this argument around the time our oldest indicated the slightest interest in being behind the wheel. The thought of teen drivers (mine or yours) on the road gives me more gray hair than my dye bottle can handle.
My husband sees driving as a rite of passage; I see it as reckless endangerment.
When you add cell phones to the mix, no-texting laws or not, I’m not sure there’s any car safe enough.
The ideal teen car would be limited to 30 miles an hour, turn off if the teen touches the phone, and not start if there is more than one person in the car.
Until they make a car like that, moms everywhere will continue to worry about their teens driving.
There are some cars that are better than others for teens; look for a car with an excellent safety rating, anti-lock brakes, and power steering. Talk to your insurance company about car ratings. Practical cars that get good gas mileage and don’t break down too often can be a smart move as well. Whatever car you choose should have an adjustable seat that allows your teen to maintain excellent visibility.
There is no car that will insulate your child in bubble wrap when he or she gets behind the wheel, but you can be smart about choosing a car that will keep you from losing too much sleep.
More than the car, make sure you spend plenty of time driving with your teen until you’re confident they have enough practice hours.