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Two Teens Killed by a Wrong-Way Driver in North Carolina Car Accident

A teen car accident in North Carolina killed two 17-year-old girls recently. The accident happened on U.S. 64 in Nash County, just east of Spring Hope, according to ABC 11.

A vehicle, carrying three teenagers, was struck by an oncoming vehicle that was heading westbound in the eastbound lanes of Highway 64. The backseat teenage passenger and driver were killed in the accident. Although this accident does not appear to be the fault of the teen driver, oftentimes teen do cause accidents because of their inexperience behind the wheel. Parents not only help their teens learn to drive safely and effectively, but they also play a large role in selecting a vehicle for their teen to drive.

Our North Carolina car accident attorneys understand that choosing a vehicle for your newly licensed teen driver can be a long and confusing process. With the help of a few little tricks, you and your teen can search for the perfect vehicle that will be cost friendly, stylish and safe.

First, you’ve got to figure out how much you are able to spend. This will oftentimes help to determine whether you’re going to buy a new or a used vehicle.

Buying a brand new car will offer you more assurance against a breakdown, but a certified pre-owned vehicle can do just about the same. With a certified pre-owned car you will still get the advantages of a new-car like warranty.

“A first time driver doesn’t need a new car, but of course they want one,” says Lori Mackey, president of Prosperity4Kids. “The depreciation, probability of fender benders and the price tag [means new] is not the most logical way to go.”

New cars will come with all the latest safety bells and whistles. Late-model used cars will still come equipped with airbags, anti-lock brakes and electronic stability control though, according to Forbes. A used car is also less like to come equipped with the kind of power and performance that could overwhelm a newly licensed driver.

“I see these young, inexperienced drivers in Mustangs, BMWs, and large SUVs. These automobiles are big, powerful and difficult to control for even experienced drivers. In the hands of a new driver, they can be deadly weapons,” says LeeAnn Shattuck, co-owner and chief car chick with Women’s Automotive Solutions.

So you’ve got a grasp on whether you want to go new or used, now it’s time to think about what type of vehicle you might want. This is when you should consider how often and how far the car will be driven, how far it will typically be driven and how often it will be used.

It’s a good idea for you to start by checking out safety and crash-test information from organizations like the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. You are highly urged to look at quality and reliability ratings from a measuring service such as J.D. Power and Associates.

“Choose a car with a responsive chassis — one with good handling, quick steering and great brakes — that takes advantage of a teen driver’s naturally quick reaction skills,” says Bob Gritzinger, executive editor of AutoWeek.com.

Your teen is typically the most protected in a mid-sized sedan with a four cylinder engine, airbags and a good crash test rating. The smaller the vehicle, the less likely it is to protect your teen in the event of an accident.

You should check out websites like Kelley Blue Book to find out how much these vehicles typically cost. Go out, look around and test drive. You shouldn’t buy the first car you see. Shop around and enjoy the experience with your teen.

If you or your teen driver has been involved in an accident, contact the North Carolina injury attorneys at Grimes Teich Anderson LLP. Call 1.800-533-6845. No Attorney Fees Until You’ve Been Paid.

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