How To Find The Safest Car

When you’re shopping for a new car, safety is likely a top concern.  No car is completely safe in an accident, but some cars are better than others in protecting occupants. Here are tips for finding the safest car.

1) Compare safety features.  Important ones to look for are:

• Seat belt pretensioners.  Seat belts are your best protection in a crash, and they are getting even better.  Those with a pretensioner instantly make the belt snug in a collision, which helps stop your body from flying forward.

• Air bags. Air bags are excellent safety devices, and they too are improving.  Some now adjust how fast they inflate based on factors like the passenger’s weight and severity of the impact.  Also new are side curtain air bags, which can significantly reduce head injuries. 

• Anti-lock brakes. These help you stop shorter and straighter, especially on wet roads.  The right way to use anti-lock brakes is “stomp and steer” — press the brake pedal hard (don’t pump it), and steer the car to safety.

2) Review crash tests. How well a car protects you in a crash depends on the car’s size, interior padding and other factors.  A good source for crash test results is the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (1-800-424-9393 or on the web at www.nhtsa.gov). 

The best safety feature of any car is a good driver.  But when you are ready to buy, comparing safety features and crash results can help you find the car that will protect you and your family the best.