(February 15, 2011) Choosing an old car can put young drivers at risk, says RoadSafe. Younger motorists need the safest modern cars they can afford.

RoadSafe director Adrian Walsh says, “When it comes to buying a car for a new, young driver, it is a bad idea to put them in a cheap old banger. Older vehicles tend to cost less to insure but this benefit is diminished in the event of a crash, as they lack the safety systems found in newer models.”

Age should not dictate which motorists have access to the safest cars, but RoadSafe is putting its focus on younger drivers as they continue to be involved in the highest proportion of collisions.

Newer cars don’t just have better crash protection. They also have systems that help avoid collisions. ESC, for example, helps a driver maintain control in an emergency. The system uses sensors to detect when a car starts to skid off its planned course and automatically reduces the throttle and applies the brakes to individual wheels to regain stability and prevent or minimize the skid.

This isn’t to say that older cars are dangerous. Many second hand cars have good safety systems. Buyers should check a car’s safety features before making a purchase.

RoadSafe, based in Europe, is a leading forum for promoting and devising solutions to road safety problems. Its mission is to reduce road deaths and injuries by sharing knowledge and encouraging innovation. The not-for profit partnership brings together the automotive industry and related companies, traffic engineers, the police and road safety professionals.