One day soon we may have self-driving cars. Think of everything you could do if your car drove itself! Experts tell us that self-driving cars could make our roads safer and make mobility more accessible to people who can’t drive due to age, illness or disability. Until that autonomous car arrives, how can you find a safe car that fits your needs and helps to prevent ever needing the services of experienced car accident attorneys, like ?
With so many options on the market, it can be hard to know where to start. Keep reading for five steps you can take to help choose a safe car for yourself and your family.
Step one: Read reviews and compare safety ratings before making a decision
The idea of doing research before buying a car may feel daunting, but most of us read reviews before buying pretty much anything anymore. In the case of a big purchase like a car, where safety is paramount, you want to be sure to use trustworthy sources for reviews.
If you have a few cars your considering, look at the safety ratings on reliable sites like:
You may also want to read customer reviews of the vehicles you’re considering.
By taking a few extra steps upfront to do some research and comparison-shopping, you will be prepared to make a well-informed decision.
Step two: Consider the size of the car
Fuel efficiency is a consideration for most consumers today, both for economic and environmental reasons. Although smaller cars often have better fuel economy and maneuverability, which helps with parking and other tight spaces, these same smaller vehicles can be more susceptible to damage in an accident due to higher levels of acceleration force upon impact. It’s important for drivers to weigh the extra safety benefits of larger cars against their limited mobility when it comes time for choosing a vehicle.
Only you can decide what is the best size for your needs and your wants. The IIHS has top safety picks for each size category of cars and trucks to help you gather information.
Step three: Look for features that improve safety
When selecting a vehicle, it’s important to look at features that can help improve safety, like airbags and anti-lock brakes. Airbags shield and cushion occupants from impact in the event of an accident. Anti-lock brakes are useful when driving on wet roads or during emergency braking situations; this system helps tires maintain traction so that you can remain in control of your vehicle and break quickly without skidding.
New technology is making more safety features available all the time. Many cars now have cameras to see behind the car, forward collision warnings, lane departure warnings and automatic braking. These features may become more standard over time, but may be worth considering now to help prevent the costs of an accident in the future.
Step four: Check for recalls
Recalls occur when the NHTSA identifies an issue with the engineering or components of a vehicle that affect safety and performance. Before purchasing, you will want to know if any safety concerns have been identified and addressed by the manufacturer for the make and model of car you are considering. You can visit the NHTSA website to search for any open recalls under your vehicle’s make, model, and year.
When shopping for a used car, it is essential to check the recall history of the vehicle. You can check the history of an individual vehicle on the NHTSA website. Doing so could save you time, energy and money in addressing unexpected issues after purchase.
Step five: Look for good crash test ratings
When you’re evaluating your options, be sure to look at crash test ratings from either the IIHS or NHTSB. These inspections are conducted with rigorous standards and aim to evaluate vehicles on their capability of protecting occupants in the event of an accident. By considering these ratings alongside other factors in your car-buying decision, you can be sure that you’re selecting one of the safest options on the market.
With a little research, you can take the above factors into consideration and feel confident in your choice of a car that’s safe for you and your family. Consider the size of the car, look for features that improve safety, check for recalls, and look for good crash test ratings. By following these tips, you can help ensure that you’ll be driving a safe car.
Unfortunately, even the safest cars are sometimes involved in accidents. If you or a family member has been injured in a car accident, contact for help in evaluating your claim.
