1.  Bad Habits.  Does mom or dad have a driving habit that drives you nuts?  Well, check yourself.  New drivers often pick up good and bad habits from their parents.

2.  Following too closely.  Is that guy tailgating you?  Chances are it’s another teen driver.

3.  Speeding.  You may have keener hand-eye coordination and better reflexes than your parents, but inexperiences on the road makes speeding your quickest route to a crash.

4.  Safety belts.  If you think wearing a safety belt makes you look uncool, think again.  Wouldn’t you rather be wearing a seat belt than a body cast?

5.  Driving while impaired.  Drinking and driving don’t ever mix.  Impaired performance and inexperience makes for a deadly combination.

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When teens are ready to purchase their first car, it can be easy to get caught up in image vs. safety.  Often times teens want something fast, powerful and shiny, but the number one feature to look for is safety.  Here are some things to remember when shopping for that first car.

• Consider purchasing a late-model car.  While an older car may seem bigger and safer, a newer sedan is going to have better and up-to-date safety features.
• Don’t think too small or too big.  While small cars are cute and save on gas, they can also be harder to see on the road and offer less crash protection.  While large SUVs or trucks may be attractive, they are often less stable and more likely to roll over due to a high center of gravity. 
• Sports cars may be fast, but they can raise your insurance premiums.
• Check the reliability and cost of ownership on any vehicle you’re considering.
• Make sure to look into crash test data.
• If you are buying a used car, check out the car’s history and also schedule an inspection on the car to make sure everything is in good condition.
• Look for a vehicle with a warranty or purchase an extended warranty if possible.

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