Often, I’ve heard people say things like, “Aren’t new cars always the safer choice?” and “Doesn’t a more expensive car imply that I’ll be safer driving it?” In some ways, newer cars and luxury cars can be safer than their counterparts. However, buying the newest, most expensive car won’t guarantee safety. In this article, we’ll discuss choosing the best car according to safety features.
First, consider the size of the car. Small, lightweight cars might be easy to maneuver, but they are more likely to be crushed in accidents than larger, heavier cars. On the other hand, large vehicles are harder to control and more likely to roll over. When choosing a car according to safety features, find one that’s easy to maneuver but not too lightweight. A good balance of these features is ideal.
You should also research crash tests that were performed by third parties, not by the cars’ manufacturers. Compare crash test performance ratings for several vehicles, and use several organizations to find this data. Do not depend on what the dealership tells you about crash tests.
Especially if you are considering purchasing a used car, make sure to look for electronic stability control. Electronic stability control is an essential safety feature that usually comes with new cars; in old cars, you need to check for it. This system prevents skidding by applying different amounts of brake pressure in the event of a mismatch between the steering wheel’s direction and the car’s wheels’ actual movement. An antilock braking system monitors individual wheel speeds in order to prevent the wheels from stopping rotation and sliding. It’s another important safety feature, and it is essential for less experienced drivers.
Your car should also have large side air bags, because although your car has “crush space” in the front and back, the sides are more vulnerable. The safest cars on the market are those that come with side air bags.
We’ve listed all the most basic, essential safety features. Never cars also come with all kinds of computerized ones; some have blind-spot-detection systems that warn you when something is in a blind spot, and others have cameras that activate when the car is in reverse to alert you of traffic. Compare cars and perform test drives to figure out which safety features help you stay more alert and aware while driving, and choose the car that has the best balance of all the features you want.