Teen Driving
Teen drivers have the highest fatal crash risk of any age group. Per mile traveled, they have the highest involvement rates in all types of crashes, from those involving only property damage to those that are fatal. The problem is worst among 16 year-olds, who have the most limited driving experience that often results in risk-taking behind the wheel.
Crash Risk Factors
* Driver error
Compared with crashes of older drivers, those of teenagers more often involve driver error.
* Speeding
Excessive speed is a factor in higher crash rates among 16-year-old drivers.
* Single-vehicle crashes
More fatal crashes of teenage drivers involve only the teen’s vehicle. Typically, these involve high speed and/or driver error.
* Passengers
Fatal crashes among teens are more likely to occur when other teenagers are in the car. The risk increases with every additional passenger. In 2003, 59 percent of teenage passenger deaths happened in vehicles driven by another teenager.
* Alcohol
Although this is a problem among drivers of all ages, it’s actually less of a problem for drivers ages 16 and 17. In 2003, the estimated percent of fatally injured passenger vehicle drivers of this age who had blood alcohol concentrations (BACs) at or above 0.08 percent was 16 percent — down 60 percent since 1982.
* Night driving
This is a high-risk activity for beginners. Per mile driven, the crash rate for teenagers driving at night with passengers is 4 to 5 times more likely than teenagers who drive alone during the day. (Source: National Safety Council Launching New Window , 2005)
* Low seat belt use
Teenagers generally are less likely to use safety belts than adults. In 2003, 57 percent of 16- to 20-year-old passenger vehicle occupants killed in crashes were not wearing safety belts. (Source:National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Launching New Window , 2005)
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Now in its second year of production, the aptly named Ford Flex fits two voids in Ford’s lineup – it’s both a minivan and crossover. The former term is a dirty word in the automotive marketplace these days, unlike the latter, which usually includes all-wheel drive vehicles, sized like SUVs but closer to the ground. While it may not be as tall as full-size SUVs, it surely provides the same amount of room, if not more. So how does the Flex drive and execute its duties? Read on to find out.
The Flex is a long vehicle. Its shorter height makes it look even longer. Its overall shape can be compared to the Mini Cooper, albeit much larger. It’s also reminiscent of the “woodies” from the 1940s and ’50s, with boxy lines and the sculpting on the doors. The front end features the Ford corporate grille, which consists of 3 horizontal chrome bars, and with the wide and flat hood, gives the Flex a snub-nose look, which I find attractive. The lines on the Flex are mostly straight, which works with this body style, and any curves other than the wheel wells would break up the paradigm Ford’s designers were going for. While driving the Flex, I found that its looks were polarizing. Passers-by either loved it, or hated it.
Continuing the retro but modern design on the interior, Ford fitted the Flex with modern gauges, controls, materials, but used a retro pattern on the seats. A comfortable place to sit, the driver’s seat featured 6 ways of power adjustments, including forward/backward, up/down, and seat cushion angle. Lumbar support adjustments are accomplished by turning a knob on the side of the seat, and the seat back’s angle is controlled by a lever which provides plenty of available angles. The driver’s seat can be raised or lowered a good amount, which leaves plenty of head and leg room for taller drivers or people who want to sit higher. The steering wheel was disappointing though, with only tilt and no telescope. Another missing feature on the tester, but an option on SEL and Limited trim levels, is adjustable pedals.
The rest of the interior is nicely done, with a lot of soft touch plastics, mixed in with harder plastics for controls and surfaces which might take more abuse. The gauges and controls all feature “Ice Blue” lighting, which is nice to look at but can be distracting at night. There are more buttons on the dashboard than expected, but thankfully the audio and HVAC knobs are big and easy to reach. The knobs also feature good detents for positive feedback when driving, so you know exactly how far you turned up the radio without having to look over at the display. The gauges are easy to read as well, although the speedometer only has markings every 20 MPH. If the lighting is too bright, you can use a dimmer switch to tone down all the interior lighting. Moving to the back seat, there is a huge amount of leg room and deep cushions for passengers, but the standard 3rd row is strictly for children.
The third row seat limits the cargo area, a disappointment that is somewhat mitigated by the fold-flat seats, and points to the Flex as more of a people hauler than a cargo hauler. Albeit small, the cargo area is easily accessed, only requiring a slight pull on the liftgate before the struts take over and lift it the rest of the way. If you fill up the cargo area, there’s plenty of room to put bags or other detritus between the first and second row of seats.
Driving around town, the Flex has decent power, but passing maneuvers and quick acceleration are hampered by the overworked engine. Those who need more power will want to opt for the available EcoBoost engine, which comes packaged with all wheel drive. The EcoBoost engine will satisfy anyone’s need for more power in the Flex. The handling is also good, if not excellent, allowing more body movement than one would like to see, especially given how firm the suspension feels. While not overly stiff, you feel more of the road and its imperfections than most buyers of a crossover really want. Given the tester’s tire and wheel package, this was surprising. A good mark for the suspension is that going through curves with the Flex never caused it to become unsettled. The tires never made any noise, and traction was very good when going around corners at faster than normal speeds. The Flex’s cornering ability is a good match for the brakes, which worked well and hauled the crossover down from speed fairly quickly. They definitely don’t work like sports-car brakes, but were impressive for such a massive vehicle. Because of the steering and brakes, the Flex drives like a smaller vehicle than it is, with good manners on the highway and around town. Speaking of highway speeds, the loudest thing you’ll notice is the wind coming around the windshield and hitting the side-view mirrors, and only if you have the volume turned all the way down on the radio.
