The roads are dangerous places for new drivers. As we mentioned previously, California Highway Patrol officers have noted that the statewide death toll led to the loss of 2,835 lives while operating a vehicle. Add to this the 159,115 injury accidents that motorists were involved in, and it is no small wonder that parents of teens worry about the crash potential when handing junior the keys to a car. The Car-buying Dilemma California parents want to keep freshly minted teen drivers safe but typically cannot afford to buy the latest.