[Turbowned]

I understand valuing your and your children's lives more than a car, but a new car is seriously a waste of money on a first car. I just sold a $43,000 Audi A4 to a 17yr-old for her first car, and while it's the safest possible car she could be in, I shudder to think of what it'll be worth in 5 years after it's gotten some good dings, scrapes, stains, or possibly a serious accident. That said, a used car with good safety ratings is the best alternative. Big SUV's are NOT the answer, either. An SUV has much less ability to avoid an accident in the first place, and only puts other motorists in danger when there's an inexperienced young'un behind the wheel.

Back to what I said previously - driving courses, autocross events, car control clinics - do 'em all! And stay off the damn cell phone.