subject: 7 Safety Tips When Buying A New Car [print this page] Safety on a car is one those things you don't really think about ... until you're in a crash. For most of us, how fast the car goes, whether we like the colour, and the mechanical history are far more important considerations. Unfortunately, there are hundreds of people killed and injured on our roads every year, and some things car insurance just can't cover! So today we are looking at some of the top safety tips for buying a new car .. that won't require you to backflip on looks and driveability.
Large versus small
The minimum weight recommendation for safety is usually around 1,300kg. There are quite a few cars on the road that are as small as 1,000 kg, and with the rising popularity of hybrid engines and fuel efficient models, this will increase. Having a heavier car helps make you more stable at usual driving speeds, keeping more rubber on the road and improving grip, though.
Body shapes for safety
Four wheel drives might feel safer because you have a better view of the traffic, and because everybody else's head is at the height of your bulbar - but they are also more likely to be involved in roll-over crashes. Make sure your 4WD has electronic stability control, curtain airbags, strong roof support pillars, an anti-roll design .. and a good ANCAP safety rating.
Ask for airbags
If you have a 4WD, you have already done this! Airbags are widely considered to be one of the most important injury-prevention tools since the seatbelt. It is estimated that the risk of head injury is reduced by about 50% in a car with airbags, in the event of a crash. Given that they don't add greatly to a vehicle's expense anymore, they are definitely a worthwhile investment.
Look for crumple zones
Crumple zones are a strategic weakness in the car's design which helps ensure that the energy of the crash is largely absorbed by the car, instead of by the passengers. Many people are hesitant about buying cars with crumple zones, thinking that minor crashes will end up costing thousands. In fact, crumple zone design has advanced to a point where this is not an issue. If you have the right level of car insurance, anyway, it matters little what the extent of damage is - your car insurer will cover it.
Seatbelt features
Seatbelts are estimated to reduce the risk of fatal injury to front-seat passengers by 45%, and of serious injury by 50%. Wearing them is compulsory, but paying attention to them can make your car safer. Look for cars with seatbelt reminders (that sense weight and sound an alarm if the seatbelt isn't buckled) - good for kids as well as forgetful adults.
Anti-lock brakes
The benefits are most obvious in wet conditions, where if you leave your decision on an orange light too late you could end up stopped in the middle of an intersection. However, anti-lock braking systems (ABS) also reduce stopping time generally.
Traction/Electronic stability control
Electronic stability control helps drivers avoid a crash due to oversteering in conditions where traction is low. Your car's computer senses the weight distribution and road conditions, and helps you regain stability. No substitute for driving carefully .. but a potential lifesaver.
When coupled up with a suitable level of car insurance, all of the above features can help you be as confident as possible that you, and your children, will make it to a ripe old age.
