Finding A Safe Car For Your Family

Numerous factors go into determining what kind of vehicle to buy. One of the most important features to think about when selecting your car, SUV, truck, van or another vehicle from a dealership, such as Young Automotive Group, is how safe it is. All cars are not created equal. Look for these critical safety features when selecting your next vehicle.

 Airbags

Airbags aren’t only located in the front anymore. Newer vehicles offer more protection with front, side, and rear airbags to protect all passengers in a crash. Side airbags are strategically placed by the head and torso to protect passengers from a side impact crash, more commonly known as a being t-boned. Another key feature is rollover detection, which automatically engages the side airbags if the vehicle detects that the car is in a rollover. Airbag protection significantly reduces the frequency of fatalities in automobile accidents.

 Electronic Stability Control

Electronic stability control is a newer technology similar to ABS but with more features to keep you safe on the road. It applies the brakes when it detects that the vehicle is skidding or that the driver may be losing control, which allows the steering wheel and vehicle to stay in the same direction. It can reduce single-vehicle crashes, especially those caused by adverse weather conditions.

 Vehicle Height

A vehicle’s height affects how safe it is. Taller vehicles are more likely to roll over, but they also give more protection to reduce fatalities in an accident. If the occupant’s head is higher than the point of impact like in an SUV, your injuries are likely to be less severe than if you are in a small coupe.

 Adequate Seatbelts

Ensure that there are enough seatbelts for the passengers in your family. Children’s car seats need to be properly installed using either a seat belt or lower anchors and tethers for children (LATCH) system. Most vehicles manufactured after 2003 have the LATCH system built-in for easier car seat installation. Each seat also needs to have a tether point if facing forward. Don’t purchase a vehicle that isn’t designed with your family’s safety in mind.

Buying a vehicle is never a simple process. There are many factors to consider when buying from the make, model and year to whether you want to buy new or used. Don’t overlook the importance of safety features no matter what vehicle you end up driving off the lot in.