Parents of teenagers....a Smart Car? Really?

[dakcp2001]

Do you know what your kids do on the road? Are they in a safe car? I really really hate Smart cars, I do not think they are safe or "smart" but I definately don't think young kids should be in them.

I called the police a little while ago, because I thought there was a drunk driver. There was a Smart Car (you know the little tiny unsafe tin can?)weaving in & out of lanes, other cars were dodging them, all while going 80+ on a road that is speed limit of 45. As it whizzed by me, I saw it was not a drunk driver (well perhaps) but a teen, a YOUNG TEEN texting, speeding, all while driving a SMART CAR. That is a death wish! I am so disturbed by this!

 

[Christine]

My coworker owns a Smart Car and I've been in it a few times. He would take great umbrage at you dissing his car!!!

He has sent me link upon link of their crash tests and actually how well they do. Yes it is small and it will never compete with a huge car or SUV; however, as small cars go it holds up remarkably well in safety tests. It's probably a better choice for a teen then some of the subcompacts that many parents buy for them.

 

[FireDancer]

The problem is with the behavior of the driver, not the car they are in. If someone is speeding and weaving in and out of traffic I would much rather they be in a Smart Car then a large SUV. If they hit me I have a better chance of surviving that then someone doing the same in an H1.

I could care less about the safety of the driver in the car, it is the safety of all those around them that I am more concerned about.

 

[TiggerTails57]

If more smart cars were on the road we would ALL be safer........
Many times I've looked in my rear-view mirror and seen a huge SUV or truck tailgating me! Trying to make me go FASTER!!
More smart cars!

 

[Pakey]

I'm considering a Smart car for my next vehicle.

 

[tinatark]

My friend kept talking about how great they were and how we should get one for my oldest son's first car - I finally asked, "Do you not like him"? LOL. They are the safest car in their class, but not what I would want my teen driving.

 

[dakcp2001]

I think the laws of Physics would dictate a poor outcome for a Smart Car vs any othe car on the road, especially an SUV. I just cannot wrap my head around the idea that it is safe. I just can't, my brain cant get a handle on that.
I was in a horrible accident as a teen (I was not driving) and safety is a big thing for me. A woman had dropped her cigarette, reached down to pick it up, and ran a red light at full speed, broadsiding us, I was the passenger. I already got my one free pass from my guardian angel, not taking any chances!

 

[JessicaR]

I think the laws of Physics would dictate a poor outcome for a Smart Car vs any othe car on the road, especially an SUV. I just cannot wrap my head around the idea that it is safe. I just can't, my brain cant get a handle on that.
I was in a horrible accident as a teen (I was not driving) and safety is a big thing for me. A woman had dropped her cigarette, reached down to pick it up, and ran a red light at full speed, broadsiding us, I was the passenger. I already got my one free pass from my guardian angel, not taking any chances!

I agree. When I pass one its hard to not envision how easy it would crush.

The teens behavior was way out of control.

This doesnt look like good odds to me.
http://blog.oregonlive.com/commuting/2009/04/video_smart_car_jarringly_stup.html

 

[princessmom29]

I think the laws of Physics would dictate a poor outcome for a Smart Car vs any othe car on the road, especially an SUV. I just cannot wrap my head around the idea that it is safe. I just can't, my brain cant get a handle on that.
I was in a horrible accident as a teen (I was not driving) and safety is a big thing for me. A woman had dropped her cigarette, reached down to pick it up, and ran a red light at full speed, broadsiding us, I was the passenger. I already got my one free pass from my guardian angel, not taking any chances!

you are eaxctly right, the laws of physics do dictate a poor outcome in a collision versus a significantly larger vehicle. These "tin cans on wheels" will not fair well against an SUV or minivan. To the poster who said if there were more smart cars we would all be safer: I would like to konw what a mom with 3 kids is supposed to do with her children in one of these things, strap them to the roof?? They are simply not practical for anyone who transports kids, nor are they a safe car for children to be in, or teens to be driving. You cannot safely transport a child in the thing at all. There is no back seat!!!

 

[bettymae1121]

If a Smart Car hit another similar sized car, I'm sure it would do just fine. If it hits (or is hit by) a gianormous SUV or full sized pick up truck...I'm not giving good odds on that out come.

I think if you live in a large city where due to traffic and/or speed limits, the speed that traffic goes isn't very high, a Smart Car is a fine choice, even if you are hit, the lower rates of speed mean you should probably be okay. Out on major roads and expressways, you couldn't pay me to drive one. Just too scary!

As for the teen in the OP, if he's texting while driving he has no one to blame but himself. at least the car is so small that he likely wouldn't take anyone else with him.

 

[wvjules]

I think the laws of Physics would dictate a poor outcome for a Smart Car vs any othe car on the road, especially an SUV. I just cannot wrap my head around the idea that it is safe. I just can't, my brain cant get a handle on that.
I was in a horrible accident as a teen (I was not driving) and safety is a big thing for me. A woman had dropped her cigarette, reached down to pick it up, and ran a red light at full speed, broadsiding us, I was the passenger. I already got my one free pass from my guardian angel, not taking any chances!

So then the solution is for everyone to drive big SUVs?

 

[MichelleVW]

No way would I let my child drive a smart car!! I have a big truck (Dodge 2500) and if one of those cars hit me I don't even think it would leave a dent! Nice for my truck, but not the person in the kiddie car!! We had a Madza RX 8 for a while and it scared me to death being in that tiny car!

 

[dakcp2001]

So then the solution is for everyone to drive big SUVs?

Nope , the solution is to choose SAFE cars. BUt well,you were asking a rhetorical question, right? You really didn't think I was implying we all should drive SUVS?

 

[luvmy3]

Not a parent of a teen yet, but there is no way I would let my child drive a smart car.

 

[wvjules]

Nope , the solution is to choose SAFE cars. BUt well,you were asking a rhetorical question, right? You really didn't think I was implying we all should drive SUVS?

No it wasn't rhetorical. And no, I dont' think you were suggesting that we all drive SUVs. I was asking what your solution is which is why there is a "?" at the end.

 

[diznygirl]

No it wasn't rhetorical. And no, I dont' think you were suggesting that we all drive SUVs. I was asking what your solution is which is why there is a "?" at the end.

dak wasn't asking - princessmom was asking Tiggertails.

you are eaxctly right, the laws of physics do dictate a poor outcome in a collision versus a significantly larger vehicle. These "tin cans on wheels" will not fair well against an SUV or minivan. To the poster who said if there were more smart cars we would all be safer: I would like to konw what a mom with 3 kids is supposed to do with her children in one of these things, strap them to the roof?? They are simply not practical for anyone who transports kids, nor are they a safe car for children to be in, or teens to be driving. You cannot safely transport a child in the thing at all. There is no back seat!!!

Meanwhile - I think the ultimate goal is for everyone to drive safer no matter what vehicle they are driving.

 

[Pigeon]

The texting would bother me. The Smartcar would not.

 

[sbell111]

I agree. When I pass one its hard to not envision how easy it would crush.

The laws of physics do not demand that the smaller car would be crushed. In reality, the Smart cars safety cage is quite stout. In an accident with a larger vehicle, the Smart car tends to get pinballed, but the occupents tend to be safe inside the safety shell. The Smart car received a four star rating for frontal impacts and a five star rating for side impacts.

Last year, we bought my wife a Smart cabrio to use as a second car. I have no qualms about the purchase.

 

[hrh_disney_queen]

I agree with a PP. I also can't wrap my mind around anything that small in an accident with anything bigger (which is pretty much EVERYTHING) coming out unscathed. You are too close to the windshield, doors, and well...everything. I would much rather have my family in the other car if an accident would occur. I can't help but think "Death Trap" whenever I see one....after I get over the initial..awww, isn't that cute?

A teen doesn't need a car that is fun or showy. They need a big old boring sedan with a lot of metal and no reason to bring attention to themselves.

 

[Hoodie]

As I've said before, just because a car says "Smart" it doesn't mean the driver is!

Still, there are a couple around on my commute and they make me nervous. Not to mention they look ridiculous!