Latest news with #teendrivers
Auto Blog
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
You Can't Skip the Latest Step in Florida's Driver's License Process
Young Florida drivers seeking a permit have a new hoop to jump through Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has signed a new law requiring anyone at least 15 years old to complete a driver's education course to receive a learner's permit. Students had previously faced less stringent mandates by only needing to complete traffic law and substance abuse education classes. Florida's new law, taking effect July 1, also requires teens seeking a license to receive parental approval, complete a Traffic Law and Substance Abuse Education course, and pass a vision and hearing test along with a written driver's exam, according to NBC. Drivers can apply for a license after driving with a permit for one year or when reaching 18, whichever comes first, if they receive no moving violations and log 50 hours of driving experience with an adult 21 or older, 10 hours of which must be at night. 0:08 / 0:09 Thinking about buying a Toyota RAV4? These 5 rivals might change your mind Watch More Florida surf license plate — Source: Getty Some schools, including Florida Virtual, already offer driver education for permits, but many dialed back the program years ago to save money, according to the Tampa Bay Times. Debbie Adams, Principal of Driver's Education at Florida Virtual School, said: 'The legislators really got this right. They really took the time talking with each other and [are] really taking a look at the dangers that we are facing in the state of Florida along our roads,' The Mirror US reports. Many Florida high schools offer driver's education, but there isn't enough space for every student. Florida Virtual School offers driver's education for free and is the state's largest driver's education provider, with 55,000 enrolled students, many of whom can't find a spot in their local school. Defensive driving and hazard prevention are among the program's core skills. Florida teen driver crashes in recent years by the numbers In May 2024, 205,000 Florida teens aged 15-19 were driving with a learner's permit, according to The Florida Teen Safe Driving Coalition. In 2022, Florida teen drivers were involved in 56,091 crashes, resulting in 345 fatalities and 1,945 serious injuries. Nationally, teen drivers in 2022 were involved in 1,477,694 crashes, resulting in 7,639 deaths and 439,271 serious injuries. The Florida Teen Safe Driving Coalition cites an NHTSA study highlighting how teens are two and a half times more likely to engage in potentially risky behavior when driving with another teenager vs. alone, and this likelihood increases to three times with multiple teen passengers. Seat belts weren't worn in one-third of the fatalities and serious injuries involving these drivers. In 2023, Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) noted a 1.93% decline in 15-19-year-old driver crashes in the state but a 0.92% increase in this age group's traffic fatalities. Incapacitating injuries for 15-19-year-old drivers decreased 8.05%, and other injuries went down 2.92%. Autoblog Newsletter Autoblog brings you car news; expert reviews and exciting pictures and video. Research and compare vehicles, too. Sign up or sign in with Google Facebook Microsoft Apple By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. Florida license plate — Source: Getty Images Final thoughts While some states, such as Kentucky, have been loosening certain requirements for young drivers, the general trend in recent years has been toward stricter laws. On March 11, a new Kentucky law lowered the state's age to obtain a learner's permit from 16 to 15. Additionally, young Kentucky drivers only need to hold a permit for six months before applying for an intermediate license. However, since February, New Jersey has implemented a 50-hour supervised driving requirement for permit holders until age 21, after previously having no policy. North Carolina is even stricter with a 60-hour supervised driving requirement. Florida's law, which took effect on July 1, is the most recent example of the U.S. states tightening young driver laws. About the Author Cody Carlson View Profile
Auto Blog
23-05-2025
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
Attention Parents: The IIHS Recommends These Safe Cars for Teen Drivers
Buying a safe, affordable car for a new driver can be a heck of a challenge, but the IIHS breaks down some choices for parents. What was your first car? For many drivers, the first taste of absolute freedom coming of age is that first drive after passing the driver's test and tasting the air on the open road behind the wheel. It's the first feeling of near-total autonomy; the idea that you could stay out late, pick up your friends, go to the mall, the movies, or [insert your teenage hangout spot] without calling mom or dad to pick you up at a certain time. Indeed, we still had to go to school, but from my experience, rolling up to your spot in the senior parking lot is much better than sharing a school bus with the freshmen. Looking back on my first years behind the wheel, it's easy to understand how choosing a first car for a new, teen driver can be a costly and anxiety-ridden experience for parents, as they not only have to juggle a limited budget, but also the stress of finding something that would keep their precious munchkins safe in the unfortunate event of a crash. Teenage girl learning to drive from mother during weekend The safety experts pick their favorite budget cars for your youngins Luckily, the experts at Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) collaborated with Consumer Reports to compile a list of the safest cars for teenage drivers for parents on tight budgets. All the cars on the IIHS's list weigh at least 2,750 pounds and earned a rating of at least 3 out of 5 in Consumer Reports' braking, emergency handling, and routine handling tests, which it feels is key in helping young drivers drive defensively and avoid accidents. In addition, all the cars listed earned at least a 2 out of 5 in CR's control and display usability to keep teens' eyes off the screens as much as possible. They have electronic stability control, and absolutely none of the institute's choices are big SUVs, pickup trucks, sports cars, high-performance models, or over $20,000 for one in good condition and low miles (according to data from Kelley Blue Book). IIHS picks for best used small cars: Toyota Corolla, Honda Insight, Mazda3 hatchback Compact cars are a good choice for a first car, and the three most inexpensive models on the IIHS's Best Choices list are some of the smallest in this specific group. The cheapest car on this list is the 2017-2019 Toyota Corolla sedan, which has an estimated KBB price of $9,500. 2023 and newer models are also good, but prices for those will be significantly higher than for the older models. The IIHS also recommends the 2019-2022 Honda Insight, which has an average KBB value of $11,600. Prior to the reintroduction of the Honda Civic Hybrid, the Insight was Honda's compact hybrid offering, providing fuel-sipping EPA fuel economy numbers of 55 mpg city, 49 mpg, and 52 mpg combined—numbers that can give peace of mind for youngins between fuel stops and keep parents from their kids nagging for gas money. Though no bona fide sports cars are on the IIHS's list, the closest thing to it is the 2019-present Mazda 3 hatchback, which can go as low as $12,100, according to KBB data. Though its standard 2.5-liter SKYACTIV-G inline-four cylinder pumps out 186 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, experts state that its premium looks and fun-to-drive persona make a compelling package. IIHS picks for best used mid-size cars: Toyota Camry, Mazda6, Subaru Legacy Although compact cars are a good choice for young drivers, sometimes life's activities require more space, or sometimes the new driver's car becomes the default family hauler or grocery getter. In times like these, midsize sedans are the way to go, and the cheapest in this category on the IIHS's Best Choices list is the venerable 2018-present Toyota Camry. With an estimated KBB value as low as $13,100, the Camry's larger size can help solve situations when a Corolla is too small. The IIHS also recommends the 2019-2021 Mazda6, though it only applies to units built after June 2019. While it may be a bit of a bump up in price at a KBB-estimated $14,000, the Mazda6 offers a slightly more premium and driver-focused feel akin to the smaller and cheaper Mazda3. The 2020-present Subaru Legacy rounds out the top three on the IIHS's Best Choices list, with an estimated KBB value as low as $15,700. While it is a higher price on average than a Camry or a Mazda6, the Subie sedan has the distinction of having the automaker's signature Symmetrical All-Wheel-Drive as standard, which can prove useful on those days when a blizzard didn't call for a snow day. IIHS picks for best used large cars: Genesis G80, Genesis G90, Acura RLX Many of the full-size cars offered today are from luxury brands. However, for the price, teen drivers will have a lot of car for the price. The least expensive of the IIHS's Best Choices is the 2017-2020 Genesis G80 at a KBB-estimated $12,200, which offers modern comfort features and also earned Top Safety Pick+ distinction from the Institute. The Genesis's larger sibling, the G90, can be had for not much more than the G80. According to Kelley Blue Book, 2017-2022 iterations of the G90 have a Blue Book value of $12,400 on the private market. However, the 2018-2020 Acura RLX could also prove to be a good value for teens at a KBB-estimated $16,700. Acura packed a full suite of driver-assist features, which includes automated emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist. IIHS picks for best used small SUVs: BMW X2, Mazda CX-3, Subaru Forester Many parents will likely consider putting their children into small SUVs and crossovers, as their popularity would almost guarantee their availability, and their upright and elevated driving positions would make both young drivers and parents comfortable on suburban roads littered with Tahoes and F-150s. The least expensive of the IIHS's Best Choices in this category is the 2019-present BMW X2, with a KBB-estimated value of $12,200 on the used market. While the BMW badge may carry some clout in the senior parking lot, parents should be warned that it could also carry higher premiums with insurance companies and higher shop bills for maintenance and repairs. The 2020-2021 Mazda CX-3 is the next small SUV on the IIHS's list at a KBB-estimated $12,900, though the word 'small' shouldn't be considered an understatement. The CX-3's size classifies it officially as a subcompact crossover SUV, putting it on the small side among other options. However, it can be a nimble, fuel-efficient, and affordable option for a teen driver. However, the 2019-present Subaru Forester, which has a KBB-estimated used value of $13,000, rounds out the top three of the IIHS's Best Choices in this category. The Forester is one of Subaru's top-selling models and is an IIHS Top Safety Pick+, as it features standard Symmetrical all-wheel drive and Subaru's EyeSight Driver Assist Technology suite of driver assistance features. IIHS picks for best used mid-size SUVs: Acura MDX, Volvo XC90, Lexus NX The biggest vehicles on the IIHS's list are midsize SUVs, as it feels that the longer stopping distance and unpredictable handling associated with full-size SUVs and pickup trucks could prove to be dangerous in the hands of teen drivers. The cheapest vehicle here is the 2017-2020 Acura MDX, which has a KBB-estimated value of $13,100 on the used market. Though Acura is a premium luxury brand, the MDX's Honda underpinnings can help parent and kid owners keep some peace of mind when it comes to maintenance and repairs. In addition, our experts find that it is as family-friendly as it is enjoyable to drive. The IIHS also recommends the 2018-or-newer Volvo XC90, though it emphasizes vehicles built after March 2018. Its KBB-estimated value of $14,600 is a small price to pay for a 3-row luxury SUV that is also an IIHS Top Safety Pick; a small token for Volvo's kind reputation for unrelenting safety. The 2019-present Lexus NX takes the third position in this category at a KBB-estimated value of $14,900, though it should be said that, like the Mazda CX-3, it is smaller than the other midsize SUVs above. Final thoughts The IIHS says that dollar values in the list above are rounded to the nearest $100 and are based on 'average U.S. values from March 27, 2025, for the lowest trim level and earliest applicable model year.' The list is supplemented by another list of more affordable 'good choices' and additional 'best choices,' which can be found on the IIHS's website. Some of their 'good choices' can go as low as KBB-estimated $5,500, which can be compatible with even the tightest budgets if buyers do their digging and research.
Forbes
06-05-2025
- Automotive
- Forbes
Safe, Affordable Used And New Vehicles For Teens
Teen drivers are at heightened risk of being in a crash because of inexperience and immaturity. ... More Crash rates are nearly four times those of drivers 20 and older. Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Parents are often tempted to give their teen drivers old, hand-me-down or inexpensive cars, but it's usually a bad idea. Older vehicles and low-budget models often lack the most effective safety and crash protection features. It's important, as teen drivers are at heightened risk of being in a crash because of inexperience and immaturity – they have crash rates nearly 4 times those of drivers 20 and older. To help families choose safe – and affordable – vehicles, the latest edition of an annual list of recommended used and new vehicles for young drivers was released on Thursday by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and Consumer Reports (CR). 'This list is designed to help buyers narrow their search to vehicles that can help drivers avoid crashes and also protect vehicle occupants in the event that a crash does occur,' Jennifer Stockburger, director of operations at Consumer Reports Auto Test Center, said in a statement. 'That combination increases the odds of keeping new drivers safe as they gain experience.' On this year's list are 74 used 'good choice' models, priced at $10,000 or less, that performed well in a variety of safety tests. Another 48 'best choices' – the top tier of used models – come with automatic emergency braking (AEB) and highly rated headlights; they can be purchased for less than $20,000. (AEB can help drivers avoid rear-ending another vehicle and striking a pedestrian, and is an important technology for all drivers, experts say.) For those with larger budgets, 22 new 2025 model year vehicles equipped with the latest in crash protection and safety technology were recommended. 'Given consumers' economic anxiety and the uncertainty around future vehicle prices, the availability of a wide range of safe, affordable used options is welcome news,' Jessica Jermakian, the Insurance Institute's senior vice president for vehicle research, said in a statement. Cars were assessed in a series of crash protection tests, including how well roof strength and head restraints performed. Braking, and emergency and routine handling were also evaluated. This year a good rating in the seat belt reminder evaluation was included in the evaluation. 'Vehicles with good belt reminder ratings have loud, persistent prompts that are difficult to ignore,' Jermakian added. 'This is a great feature for everyone, but especially young people, who are less likely to buckle up than other adults.' Cars for teens should not be too big, too small, or too fast There are a number of exclusions. For example, vehicles with excessive horsepower or marketed for performance were not recommended, as these features 'can entice young drivers to take risks or lead them to speed unintentionally,' researchers said. For the same reason, extra caution is needed when it comes to electric vehicles. They are fundamentally just as safe as gas-powered ones – some were included on the list — but rapid acceleration can be a concern. Unlike gas engines, electric motors give drivers immediate access to all of the vehicle's power, the report noted. Mini Cars or any vehicles that weigh less than 2,750 pounds were not listed, as many smaller models can't protect their occupants as well in crashes with other vehicles. SUVs didn't make the cut either. They aren't good choices for teens because they can be hard to handle and take longer to stop, experts say, and they pose more risk to others on the road, like pedestrians, bicyclists and people in smaller vehicles. 'Helping your kid achieve a milestone of independence shouldn't require compromising on safety,' Jermakian said. For more information and the full list of recommended used and new vehicles, click here and here .
