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PREPARING YOUR TEEN TO DRIVE w/ JESSICA JERMAKIAN from the IIHS

The Carpool with Kelly and Lizz Aug 26, 2025 56 min

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About this episode

Jessica Jermakian from the IIHS joins Kelly and Liz to discuss preparing teens for driving, emphasizing the importance of safety and reliability in teen cars. The episode covers the IIHS's annual list of recommended vehicles for young drivers, highlighting features like crash prevention technology and appropriate size. The hosts also share personal anecdotes about preparing their own children for driving, including practical tips for handling various driving situations. Additionally, they introduce the concept of 'micro hobbies' and share a quick recipe for a family-friendly meal.

Topics: teen driving preparation IIHS recommendations crash prevention technology safety features micro hobbies family meals driving skills checklist car buying advice

Cars: Chrysler Pacifica Ford Bronco Ford Expedition Ford Ranger Hyundai Palisade Nissan XTerra Porsche Cayenne

Is your micro-hobby listening to the podcast? Lizz is looking for a new one and really wants to stick to it this time. She's looking into spider plants and paint by numbers. Which one will she embrace? Kelly has plenty of micro-hobbies and right now she is concentrating on the family Christmas photo tradition. After a little Kelly and Lizz chat, it's time to get into a fascinating chat with Jessica Jermakian from the IIHS. They recently released their list of cars perfect for the first-time driver in your family. She'll talk about what to look for in a teenager's first car, key safety features and how to prepare your kids to hit the road. Plus, Jessica shares a unique Ditch the Drive-Thru that has us inspired!

Technical Too Afraid to Ask

Alexander-93 (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Car

Hyundai Palisade

"OK. The new Palisade. Yeah, no, I wanted to talk about this."

OWS Photography (CC BY 4.0)

Car

Ford Expedition

"...come out for twenty five are the Palisade and the expedition. And, you know, seeing the expedition like the ex..."

Ethan Llamas (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Car

Nissan XTerra

"...her piece of industry news? Nissan's bringing the XTERRA back. Now that is hot tea."

Calreyn88 (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Car

Ford Bronco

"... the hot car to have. And like it is today's Ford Bronco. Yeah."

Bull-Doser (Public domain)

Car

Chrysler Pacifica

"I agree. Did you see the Chrysler Pacifica Grizzly Peak? I did."

Alexander-93 (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Car

Ford Ranger

"... George something like a Chevy Colorado or a Ford Ranger. Like I just kind of see that for him."

Alexander-93 (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Car

Porsche Cayenne

"like chili powder, cayenne or something like that. And then you"

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7 cars featured

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