If you are thinking about buying a car, new or used, you must check its safety features. In a crash the safest car offers five times more protection to you and your passengers than a car with only the minimum safety features.
In this section you can check the safety ratings of new and used cars and learn about the safety ratings of new and used cars and learn about the safety features you should be looking for when buying a car.
The first step to take when you are buying a safe car is to check the safety ratings and crash results. Information on new and used cars can be found on howsafeisyourcar.com.au and here for the Used Cars Safey Guide(PDF 188KB)
Electronic stability programs ESP helps you remain in control of your car to prevent skids, spins and rollovers.
ESP sensors monitors everything from the position of the steering wheel , the speed of the tyres and the forces put on your car. If the sensors detect that you are losing control, microprocessors selectively apply brakes to individual wheels and reduce engine power to keep the car safely on track.
ESP incorporates the anti-lock braking system ( ABS ) and traction and dynamic stability control to stabilise the car.
This is a list of cars in Australia fitted with ESP (48.8kb PDF).
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) allows drivers to apply the brakes hard and fast in an emergency with minimal risk of losing steering control. While preventing wheel lockup and skidding, ABS may not always reduce the distance it takes to stop.
Drivers should not become overconfident believing their ABS brakes will always get them out of trouble.
It is important to know that when braking, ABS feels different - particularly under heavy braking. The car and brake pedal may seem to shudder, vibrate, or feel hard. This is normal, but some drivers could respond by taking their foot off the brake thinking something is wrong. Instead, drivers should maintain braking pressure or push as hard as possible when a quick stop is necessary.
It pays to know if your car is fitted with ABS. Check the owner's manual to find out whether the car you are driving has ABS brakes.
Front airbags can significantly reduce life threatening head injuries, when used in conjunction with seat belts. Side airbags can also reduce serious injuries in a side impact crash.
Daytime running lights automatically activate whenever a vehicle’s ignition is switched on. The latest research shows they can reduce the chances of a daytime crash with both other vehicles and pedestrians.
There are a number of types of daytime running lights including:
- Small white lights fitted to the front of a vehicle that are separate to the headlights
- Low beam headlights that are used in daytime.
Over-speed warning devices reduce the need to concentrate on staying within the speed limit. An over-speed warning device is useful in urban and rural situations. Remember inappropriate speed is a factor in about 20% of fatal crashes.
Make sure there is a lap sash seat belt for the centre rear seat position and seat belt warning devices. Seat belts have been proven as the single most effective means of protecting vehicle occupants in a crash. Lap sash seat belts are by far the most effective – so check that a lap sash is provided in the middle of the back seat. Seat belt warning devices will also ensure that you do not forget to do up your seat belt before moving off.
Make sure there is a cargo barrier if it is a station wagon – in a crash, even light objects can become deadly missiles if they are not properly restrained.
Air conditioning can improve comfort and reduce fatigue particularly for long trips in hot weather. An automatic transmission can reduce fatigue by freeing you from constant gear changing in urban or hilly conditions and allow you to give more attention to other driving tasks including observing the traffic around you.
The size and weight of a car is an important factor in a crash. Smaller cars are less able to protect their occupants in a crash. So, if buying a smaller car, if possible ensure that it is fitted with safety features such as driver, passenger and head protecting side airbags.