How to Shop for a Safe Car

These guidelines follow the recommendations of the American Automobile Association and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Infant Car Seats
• Auto Blue Book
• Consumer Reports
• Car Insurance
• Auto Emergency Kits
• Child Safety Seats

1. Consider your needs as a driver, taking into account the kinds of passengers you will transport, the types of cargo you may need to carry, the distances you plan to travel and the type of terrain on which you will drive.
2. Research the vehicles that you have in mind. Pay attention to crash-test data and vehicle ratings, which provide information about safety features and crash ratings.
3. Look into the safety features offered in each car, such as front and side air bags, new safety belt features, antilock brakes, traction control and built-in child restraints.
4. Keep in mind the weight of the car. Realize that heavier vehicles tend to fare better in crash tests than lighter vehicles with the same safety equipment.
5. Conduct your own safety check on a test-drive. Check for proper restraints, visibility and comfort.
6. Try installing child safety seats in the back seat (if you have young children) to ensure compatibility.