Safety First! 2009 Back-to-School Buying Guide

Introduction
It used to be so simple. August would come along and your parental instincts would kick in, telling you that it’s time to head to the mall for new clothes, and then to Wal-Mart or Office Depot for assorted supplies. Fast forward a few quick years, and suddenly back to school is about Nissans instead of Nikes. With that in mind, we’ve compiled a list of your best bets, vehicles that are relatively affordable and ranked among the best in terms of safety. As an added bonus, we've also included in this gallery advice on how to ensure your teen develops as a new driver in the safest environment possible. Many teenage crashes occur not only as a result of insufficient skills or knowledge -- but as a result of attitude, maturity, and controlable circumstances. You, the parent, and your influence can help shape a responsible attitude about driving.

By: Thom Blackett
Teen driver advice courtesy of Staff
Photos Courtesy of the manufacturers