How to Keep Your Teen Safer Behind the Wheel Without Breaking the Bank

— -- It's no secret that teens behind the wheel give parents major anxiety.

Per mile driven, teenaged drivers are nearly three times more likely than drivers aged 20 and older to be in a fatal car crash, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

Banning teenagers from driving around with fellow teen passengers, prohibiting texting while driving, and enforcing curfews can help mitigate the risks. But there's another way to keep your kids safer on the road -- one that doesn't involve parent-child shouting matches.

Buy a safer car.

In a survey conducted last year by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, of the cars purchased for teens, more than 80 percent were used vehicles, according to their parents. IIHS's research indicates that because many of these are older model year vehicles, they may lack key safety features, such as electronic stability control, a computer technology that can compensate for loss of traction.

Families in this survey paid an average of $9,751 -- and a median of $5,300 -- for their teens' vehicles, according to IIHS.

So, the institute compiled a list of used vehicles that it says align with teen drivers' safety needs -- and which it encourages parents to consider even though the vehicles cost more than they're used to spending.

Because teens are notoriously lacking in self-control, the IIHS advises to steer clear of high-horsepower muscle cars.

"The temptation to test the limits of a powerful engine is too hard for many teens to resist," according to the institute.

It also tends to favor bigger, heavier vehicles, which perform better in collisions, and cars outfitted with electronic stability control.

So, what are the best used cars for teens?

The least expensive car on the IIHS "best" list is the 2005 Volvo XC90, listed in the Kelley Blue Book for as low as $4,600 last month in Arlington, Virginia. Later model years on the list were generally more expensive.

Other less expensive cars on the list include the 2009 Volkswagen Jetta sedan, valued at $5,600, the 2006 Subaru Tribeca/B9 Tribeca, $6,000, and the 2007 Honda Element, $6,700. Again, later model years are on the list but were generally more expensive.

If you're willing to up the budget, the list also pinpoints the 2014 Mazda 6, $15,100, the 2011 Ford F-150 Crew Cab, $16,800, and the 2011 Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class, $19,100, with later model years on the list being generally more expensive.

All of the used cars on the IIHS's "best choices" and "good choices" lists are less than $20,000.

For the full list, visit IIHS.org.