The Safest Cars For Teens And Elderly (VIDEO)

Consumer Reports September issue details the safest cars for the two most accident-prone demographics: teens and elderly.

In an interview with CBS News, David Champion, senior director of Consumer Reports Auto Test Division, chose the Mazda 3 and Honda Accord for teens. The senior list includes the Suburu Forrester, Hyundai Azera and Honda Accord.

In choosing the safest cars for teens, Champion said the best technology to look out for was electronic stability control, which applies a brake to the wheels if the car starts to careen sideways.

"It's the best safety feature since seat belts," he said.

He also paid attention to horsepower ("you don't want to give them too much"), solid airbags and good crash-test results.

Champion also advised parents not to fall into the trap of giving their kids the "old car," which usually don't contain all the latest safety features such as electronics stability control.

In choosing cars for seniors, key factors included ease of entering the car, good visibility, roomy driving positions and low waistlines.

For a full report, check out the September issue of Consumer Reports on sale at newsstands.

WATCH CBS' interview with CR's Champion here:

Comments

[ej gindi]

12:23 PM on 08/10/2010

[ElderGadget]

02:44 PM on 08/06/2010

Great article. For those with an interest in the senior side of things, check out this ElderGadget post: http://www.eldergadget.com/cars/putting-yourself-in-the-drivers-seat-what-to-look-for-in-a-car

[LisaCACO]

10:57 AM on 08/06/2010

it amazes me how folks will not step up and take the keys from their parents. my sister took the keys from my dad via his doctor and the world was safer for it. no one in my husband's family will do the same for their dad and they let him decide when to drive. not all elderly need to lose their licenses, but there needs to be increased monitoring, just as there needs to be for teens.

that said, it is good to know which cars are best for each group. I have a child and it scares me to death that she'll be on the road in 10 years. We plan to buy the best car for her to drive.

[JScott]

03:05 AM on 08/06/2010

Hey Huffpo, get an auto section.

[kinogod]

11:02 AM on 08/05/2010

I love how they have the torque steer monster Mazdaspeed 3 as the banner car for safety. Punch that 265 horse monster and the steering wheel literally rips put of your hands! hahahahaha

[Dianekkdi]

08:49 AM on 08/05/2010

ease of entering. yep. It is a big deal.

Tip from my chiropractor: Get into the car by sittng down on the seat facing outward with both legs planted on the pavement. Then swing your legs into the car. Your back will thank you. :)

[Lucyfur88]

06:56 AM on 08/05/2010

The safest car for seniors is no car. But we have dismantled public transit in most parts of the country so what do you expect them to do, drop dead and die? Driving big tanks is about the only solution. Walking to the corner and taking the streetcar like they do in Europe would be a better solution.

[grod805]

02:19 AM on 08/06/2010

And teens too. There really is no need for teens to have a car before they turn 18

[tantamnt]

03:27 AM on 08/05/2010

I'm 59 and drove the Mazda 3 Hatchback until about a year ago, a very fun car to drive. Almost as fun my 2004 Alfa 147 was (not available in the US).

Great mileage, handling, braking, and could fit quickly into tight spots or scoot around ugly Hummers trying to figure out how to park.

[doctorkosan]

10:52 AM on 08/06/2010

Please try to use the word "fun" correctly in a sentence. I do not mean to pick on only you but it has got to start somewhere.
ps You are right about the Mazda 3.

[patriciacaldwell]

02:30 AM on 08/05/2010

Why was the Accord chosen over the Honda Fit? Anyone with info?

[KIVPossum]

01:09 AM on 08/05/2010

A lot of old folks buy cars that have 'wandering' brake and gas pedals. I think the NTSA should think about standardizing pedal placement and they should mandate that pedals can not move around while the car is running.

This would save a lot of glass windows at 7-11s and beauty shops

[flin1]

12:39 AM on 08/05/2010

Big iron is the best for your kids.

[RodneyMesriani]

12:30 AM on 08/05/2010

It's good that there are more cars available which are not just safer on the road but also suitable for certain kinds of driver. While buying the cars which have been recommended are a good idea, the best way to keep both their teens and their elderly parents safe is to find out if they're physically and mentally fit to drive. While driving is a right, it is also a privilege which must be exercised with caution. If a driver is incapacitated, either by maturity or old age, they should be made to take either public transportation, or get designated drivers.

http://www.mesrianilaw.com/The-Fatal-Factors-in-Teen-Driving.html

[Johnagain]

11:58 PM on 08/04/2010

"In choosing cars for seniors, key factors included ease of entering the car, good visibility, roomy driving positions and low waistlines."

D@mn. I must be old because that's why I like driving the minivan instead of the other car.

[JScott]

02:53 AM on 08/06/2010

I know what they mean, it all started with the Chrysler 300 and other brands copied it altho the
Chrysler 300 has a decent back seat most of the others they are too cramped-I'm talkin about you Ford Taurus and Buick Lucerne et al

[sokunprumvireak]

11:51 PM on 08/04/2010

But i like Lexus RX 350 hybrid.

[escobar]

11:12 PM on 08/04/2010

A neighbor gave his kid keys to a Carerra. He killed himself and decapitated his buddy.
That car had good brakes and handled exeptionally well, seat belts, air bags, state of the art.
Nice car, perhaps too inspiring for an adolecent mind.