What makes a car safe? You can’t miss it!

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Ever wondered what makes a car safe? Of course, we all know the basics of being a good driver: be alert, don’t speed, avoid distractions, remain mindful of the conditions, etc. While newer safety features aren’t a substitute for any of those things, they can be an excellent supplement to good driving habits.

So when you’re shopping for a new or used car, look for vehicles that have the following options recommended by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). They might even help you save on your insurance!

Available in most new vehicles
  • Forward collision warning : These sensors in the front of the vehicle will warn you of an impending collision, giving you a chance to brake or steer clear.
  • Automatic emergency braking : Those brakes work with forwarding collision warning sensors. Together, they will automatically apply the brakes to avoid a collision.
  • Lane-departure warning : This uses cameras to keep track of your car’s position on the roadway. If you begin to drift from your lane unintentionally, an alarm notifies you.
  • Backup camera : These cameras, which are becoming standard equipment in more vehicles, automatically activate when the car shifts into reverse. This way, it gives you a better view behind the car.
  • Electronic stability control : This is now standard on models 2012 and later. However, if you’re purchasing a used car, consider one that offers this feature. It helps you keep control in slippery conditions and on curves. In fact, according to the NHTSA, it reduces the risk of a fatal single-vehicle crash by about 50% and the risk of a fatal rollover by 80%.

Available for some models
  • Automatic crash notification : It notifies emergency responders in the event of a crash.
  • Lane-keeping support : This option steers your vehicle back into the lane if you begin to drift.
  • Pedestrian automatic emergency braking : The car alerts you if a pedestrian is in your path. It will also automatically appliy the brakes.
  • Blind-spot detection : A small light illuminates when another vehicle is in your blind spot on either side of the car.
  • Adaptive headlights : These headlights actually shift as you take curves and turns to help you see better.

Finally, don’t forget things that have little to do with technology, but still have a big impact on safety — such as the car’s size and weight, structure and restraint systems, and its NHTSA safety rating.

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