Irrespective of the type and size of the car, the wish of every driver is to get to their destination safely. The reality, however, is that safety on the road is the responsibility of all road users.
While you might be aware of this and also play your part diligently, you can’t control the action of other drivers on the road. As a first-time driver, it is possible to save yourself from accidents and other unwanted situations with the type of car you drive.
The safety features of the car you drive can be the difference when the unwanted happens. Car manufacturers have been working on improving the safety features such as airbags, shock absorption, and many others. In this article, you will learn about the safest vehicles you can drive as a first-time driver on Nigerian roads. Keep reading for more information.
The Safest Vehicles for First-Time Drivers in Nigeria
Highlighted below are some of the safest cars for first-time drivers in Nigeria
Toyota Corolla
Toyota products are arguably the most popular vehicles you will see on Nigerian roads. While most of their products are considered safe, the Toyota Corolla is worthy to be on the list. It is aesthetically designed and it has never been short of safety features. Some of the safety features of Toyota Corolla, especially the newer models are Airbags, Automatic High Beams, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Road Sign Assist, Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, and many others.
Lexus ES 350
This is a relatively mid-size and luxurious vehicle and it is also equipped with some state-of-the-art safety features that could guarantee peace of mind when you are on the road as a first-time driver. Some of the safety features of the Lexus ES 350 are Stability Control which detects when the handling limit has been exceeded, reduces the engine power, applies the brake, and also protects the driver from losing control of the vehicle. The vehicle is also equipped with Anti-lock Brakes, Airbags in different positions, Pretensions, and many more.
The Mercedes-Benz E-Class
The Mercedes-Benz E-Class offers drivers a lot of packages that range from beautiful aesthetics to excellent performance, and luxury. Moreover, Mercedes-Benz is advanced when it comes to safety features technology. For instance, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class is equipped with Blind Spot Monitoring, Forward Collision Warning, Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane Keep Assist, Side Impact Sensors, Driver Attention Monitoring, Pedestrian Detection, and PRE-SAFE® that tightens the seatbelts, rolls up the window, and protect you from harmful sound, especially when there is a rear-end collision.
The BMW 3 Series
This vehicle is a combination of aesthetics, luxury, class, and safety. The ability to control the vehicle on the road is one of the important safety features of a vehicle. The BMW 3 Series has features such as Dynamic Traction Control that could automatically modify the driving settings to suit the condition of the road, and Dynamic Stability Control. While these features deal with the movement of the car, Cornering Brake Control, Anti-lock Braking System, and Dynamic Brake Control are also there to help put the vehicle to a halt, especially when you need them during an emergency. Among other safety features are a Head-up Display and a Frontal Collision Warning.
The Honda CR-V
Another vehicle model that is popular on Nigerian roads is Honda. While all Honda products are good, the Honda CR-V model is one of the safest vehicles for first-time drivers due to its comprehensive features. Some of the features of the vehicle that could optimize safety are Vehicle Stability Assist, Tire Pressure Monitoring System, Electronic Brake Distribution, Anti-lock Braking System, Multi-angle Rear-view Camera, Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children, and many more.
Other notable mentions:
- The Hyundai Elantra
- The Kia Optima
- The Toyota RAV 4
- The Toyota Highlander
- Toyota Camry
- The Acura MDX
- The Kia Sorento
- The Nissan Rogue
- The Volvo S60
- The Mercedes-Benz GLE Class
Conclusion
You cannot trade peace of mind for anything. All the vehicles mentioned in this article are reliable, have been subjected to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), and are equipped with other driver safety packages. Anyone you opt for as a first-time driver is a good option. You should, however, remember to drive safely.
