The Carpool with Kelly and Lizz

Episode: PREPARING YOUR TEEN TO DRIVE w/ JESSICA JERMAKIAN from the IIHS
Date: August 26, 2025

Episode Overview

In this episode, Kelly Stumpe and Lizz St. John dive deep into preparing teens to drive, featuring expert guest Jessica Jermakian, Senior Vice President of Vehicle Research at IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety). The hosts discuss the anxiety and logistics around teen driving, safe and practical car choices, and how to best equip young drivers for life on the road—covering both family experience and industry insights. Before the interview, Kelly and Liz riff on lighthearted topics like “micro hobbies,” family photos, and auto-industry news.

Segments & Discussion Points

1. Micro Hobbies: The Mom Life Hack

(00:24–16:15)

• Definition & Benefits:

  • Kelly and Lizz introduce the concept of “micro hobbies” — quick, small-scale interests or projects that add joy without demanding long-term commitment.
  • Examples: Making a signature potato salad, planning a one-off fish fry, or coordinating annual Christmas cards.

• “Hosting is my macro hobby, but potato salad? That’s my micro hobby.” - Kelly (03:15)

• Micro Hobby Aspirations:

  • Lizz wants to start with an easy-to-care-for plant and considers paint-by-number art kits, inspired by seeing a relaxing example in her sister’s home.
  • Kelly encourages starting with one low-maintenance plant (snake plant, a.k.a. “the ice cube waterer”).

• Practical Tip:

  • “Go check your saved Instagram Reels—that’s where your secret micro hobbies are hiding.” – Lizz (14:01)
  • Kelly shares she’s saved peach crostini recipes despite knowing her family will never eat them: “Just something for me.” (14:55)

2. Car News Roundup

(16:15–25:37)

• 2026 Hyundai Palisade Redesign Review:

  • Both hosts, especially Kelly, express disappointment with the new Palisade interior and practicality, despite being long-time fans of the earlier model.
  • Complaints about downgraded storage solutions, awkward placement of the shifter, and concerns over impractical power seats for families.
  • “It’s Missville, USA. I’m very anxious to see the Kia Telluride.” – Kelly (21:35)

• Nissan Xterra Returns:

  • Excitement for the relaunch; Kelly likens the Xterra’s cultural cachet circa 2010 to today’s Ford Bronco.

• Chrysler Pacifica Grizzly Peak:

  • Amusement at a concept off-roading minivan; after initial skepticism, hosts see its potential for versatility and adventure.

3. Interview: Jessica Jermakian (IIHS) on Preparing Your Teen to Drive

(25:37–53:46)

Who is Jessica Jermakian?

• Senior VP of Vehicle Research at IIHS.
• Mom to twin 15-year-old boys, soon-to-be teen drivers.

Key Discussion Points

A. What Makes a Good Teen Car?

(29:48–37:27)

• The IIHS, in collaboration with Consumer Reports, annually releases a list of best used and new cars for teens, prioritizing safety, reliability, and affordability—especially for the $20,000-and-under market.
  • Criteria Include:
    • Safe in crash and crash-prevention tests
    • Not “mini” (avoid smallest, lightest vehicles)
    • Not “maxi” (avoid largest, heaviest SUVs/trucks)
    • “We want vehicles right in the middle: not too small, not too big, and not high-horsepower.” —Jessica (31:13)
    • Lower horsepower vehicles discouraged for new drivers

B. Why Teens Are High-Risk Drivers

(32:37–36:09)

• Teens are 4x more likely to crash (per mile) than drivers 20 and older, and 3x more likely to die in a crash.
• Dual issues: Immaturity (undeveloped rational brain until ~25) and inexperience.
• Jessica stresses the power of crash-prevention tech for young drivers:
  • “That technology is so effective in preventing crashes. … The types of crashes teens get in, they're more likely to need that safety backup.” (35:10)

C. Should Teens “Rely On” Safety Tech?

(34:18–36:28)

• Kelly voices disagreement with parents who avoid safety tech so kids “don’t rely on it,” arguing it should be seen as a fail-safe.
• Jessica: “We want to bridge that time when they're able to get the experience and mature … so they can make it to the other side of being an experienced, safe driver.” (36:09)

D. Practical Guidance for Parents

(41:15–47:43)

• Set a Positive Example:

  • Model safe, attentive driving habits; talk through tricky driving scenarios aloud so kids absorb “thinking behind the wheel.”
  • “Modeling good behavior is something we’ve been doing—limit distractions, follow the rules of the road.” —Jessica (43:11)

• Teaching Opportunities:

  • Start prepping before they drive, not just behind the wheel:
    • Practice emergency braking in a safe space so teens experience ABS for themselves (45:29).
    • Walk through procedures in advance (e.g., what to do if pulled over, navigating the car wash, pumping gas).

• Driving Lessons Checklist:

  • IIHS offers a parent/teen driving skills checklist, encouraging practice in various conditions (rain, night, highways).

4. Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Selecting Teen Cars:

  • “A good teen car is a safe car and a reliable car. … The IIHS list is so comprehensive—there’s something for every price point and preference.” – Kelly (29:48, 37:27)

• On Setting Expectations:

  • “You want them to be as prepared as possible and get as much experience as possible … the supervised period is the safest for your teen!” —Jessica (47:45)

• On Teen Independence:

  • “Give them the list and let them do the research, maybe some negotiation—what a good learning experience for buying a car.” – Kelly (40:23)

5. Guest “Ditch the Drive-Thru” Meal: Shakshuka

(49:30–53:25)

• Jessica’s Go-To Quick, “Ditch the Drive-Thru” Dinner:
  • Shakshuka: eggs poached in a spicy tomato sauce, served with bread (e.g., pita).
    • “It’s basically onion, maybe a red pepper, some garlic, crushed tomatoes, paprika, cumin, chili powder … then you crack eggs right into it and let them poach. Serve with bread.” – Jessica (50:30)
    • Jessica mentions improvising with a can of pumpkin when she was short on tomatoes.

6. Resources

• IIHS/Consumer Reports teen car recommendations:
  • Free and publicly available on the IIHS website.
• IIHS parent/teen driving skills checklist:
  • Available online for guided practice sessions.

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Micro hobbies & family photos: 00:24–16:15
• Car news (Palisade, Xterra, minivan): 16:15–25:37
• Interview: Intro & IIHS projects: 25:37–29:48
• Teen car recommendations & safety: 29:48–41:15
• Parenting advice, driving lessons: 41:15–47:43
• “Ditch the Drive Thru” (Shakshuka): 49:30–53:25

Takeaways

This episode arms parents (and interested teens) with actionable, expert advice on picking a safe, sensible first car and establishes the importance of modeling good habits and thorough, real-world driving preparation. Along the way, Kelly and Lizz mix in humor, practical mom hacks, and their trademark relatable commentary—making even the daunting topic of teen drivers feel manageable.

For more, visit the IIHS teen car list or check out The Car Mom’s YouTube for detailed car reviews and advice.