More and more people are convinced that pollution has a detrimental impact that directly affects global warming. This leads many individuals to take on a ‘green’ lifestyle.
There are many ways to accomplish this, such as reducing electricity used, recycling and using environmentally friendly modes of transportation.
Parents can help their teenagers choose green vehicles to keep their carbon footprint as small as possible, but it is more important for these vehicles are safe. Motor vehicle accidents are the number one killer of teens in America, so choosing an automobile that is both green and safe is a plus.
Three cars come to mind that fit the bill:
2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
The 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid is one of the safest green cars that a parent could invest in for their teenager. The vehicle contains a lithium polymer battery that doesn’t even need to be plugged in. This battery also carries a lifetime warranty.
The Sonata Hybrid also boasts an estimated 40 miles per gallon (MPG) on the highway. Parents will also be happy to know that the vehicle also achieved a five star rating for frontal driver, side driver and side rear passenger impact safety. The frontal passenger safety rating achieved four stars; still an admirable rating.
2011 Nissan Leaf
Vehicles cannot get much greener than the all electric Nissan Leaf. The vehicle boasts zero emissions and gets the equivalent of 106 MPG, although it doesn’t use a drop of gas.
The Leaf isn’t meant for long road trips, and usually gets around 100 city miles per charge. This obviously is idea for teenagers. The 2011 Nissan Leaf also was the first fully electric car to be rated by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety as a Top Safety Pick.
The Leaf’s overall rating by the institute was five stars; the highest rating a vehicle can get. The 2011 model will save parents money over the 2012 and 2013 models. The vehicle can reach speeds of 90 MPH, though it’s important for teens to adhere to driver safety and following the law. The following are the most common forms of negligence:
- Driver fatigue
- Operating the vehicle in an unsafe manner
- Poor vehicle maintenance
- Non-adherence to the Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations regarding safety equipment and practices
- Driver distraction or careless operation of the vehicle
2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid
The 2012 Toyota Camry is a beautiful car and is environmentally friendly as well. The vehicle meets national zero emissions standards while achieving a combined 41 MPG rating. The vehicle is also amongst the safest having achieved a five star crash rating on frontal driver, side driver and side rear passenger tests. Just like the Sonata, the Camry achieved a four star rating on frontal passenger crash tests, but it is still one of the safest vehicles on the road. Teens will love the eye-catching paint colors they can choose from.
Purchasing a green vehicle is admirable, but when a parent is buying for their teenager, safety is the first consideration. The aforementioned vehicles’ designs do not put them at an increased risk of crashing, and they can also lessen the chance of a teen being pulled over by the police.
Research has shown that sports cars and Sport Utility Vehicles (SUV’s) get pulled over the most, and none of the top green vehicles mentioned fall into either of these two categories.
With these vehicles, parents can feel confident that their teenagers will be safe, have a lessor chance of receiving a ticket and reduce the impact on the environment at the same time. It’s a win win situation all the way around.
