If your teenager has received a driver's license, it may be difficult to hand over the keys to your brand new car, but that may be the smartest vehicle to choose. The first years teenagers spend as drivers are very risky. In fact, teen drivers have the highest death rates of any age group.

While getting a driver's license is an exciting rite-of-passage for teens, it can be enough to make a parent frantic. However, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the Insurance Information Institute (III) say there is something worried parents can do to protect their teens — choose a safe vehicle.

• Avoid vehicles that encourage reckless driving. Teen drivers not only lack experience, but may lack maturity. As a result, speeding and reckless driving are common. Sports cars and other vehicles with high performance features, such as turbocharging, are likely to encourage speeding. Choosing a vehicle with a more sedate image will reduce the chances your teen will be in a speed-related crash.
• Don't get a vehicle that is prone to rollovers. SUVs, especially smaller ones, are inherently less stable than cars because of their higher centers of gravity. Abrupt steering maneuvers — the kind that can occur when teens are fooling around or over-correcting a driver error — can cause rollovers where a more stable vehicle would, at worst, skid or spin out.
• Pick a vehicle that offers quality crash protection. Teenagers should drive vehicles that offer state-of-the-art protection in case they are involved in an accident.
• Don't let your teen drive a small vehicle. Small vehicles offer much less protection in crashes than larger ones. However, this doesn't mean you should put your child in the largest vehicle you can find. Many mid- and full-size cars offer more than adequate crash protection.
• Steer clear of older vehicles. Many of today's vehicles are better designed for crash protection than vehicles of six to ten years ago. For example, a newer, mid-size car with airbags is a better fit for your teen than an older, larger car without airbags. Before making a decision on the vehicle your teenager will drive, check with the U.S. Department of Transportation or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

Information provided by Insurance Information Institute.