Are you in the market for a new car? With advanced automotive technologies, there are more choices than ever for safe vehicles on the market. Here are some tips for finding a reliable vehicle and making informed decisions during your car-shopping journey.
- Research Crash Test Ratings: Organizations like the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) conduct rigorous crash tests on vehicles and assign safety ratings based on their performance. Look for cars with high scores in frontal crash, side crash, and rollover tests, as these assessments closely mimic real-world collision scenarios.
- Opt for Advanced Safety Features: Some cars are equipped with advanced safety features that can significantly reduce the risk of accidents and protect occupants in the event of a crash. Some features to look for include lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and blind spot monitoring.
- Understand Active and Passive Safety Features: Active safety refers to technologies and systems that aim to prevent accidents, such as the features mentioned earlier. Passive safety focuses on protecting occupants during a collision. Features like multiple airbags, seatbelts, and reinforced safety cages fall under passive safety. Ideally, a safe car should have a combination of both active and passive safety features.
- Look for Child Safety Features: If you have young passengers, prioritize cars with excellent child safety features. These may include LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) systems for easy and secure child seat installation, rear door child safety locks, and child seat presence sensors that alert the driver if a child is left unattended in the backseat. Learn more.
- Read User Reviews and Test Drive: Before finalizing your decision, read user reviews and experiences of other car owners regarding safety aspects. Real-life anecdotes can provide valuable insights into a car's safety performance beyond the standardized crash tests. Additionally, always take the car for a test drive to get a feel for its handling, visibility, and overall comfort, as these factors can also impact safety.
Shopping for your new car can be an exciting yet daunting process. By following the tips outlined in this article, you can make an informed decision and select a vehicle that provides a high level of protection for you and your passengers. With the right information at hand, you can confidently drive away in a car that prioritizes the safety of its occupants.
For more information, visit https://www.iihs.org/ratings/top-safety-picks.
This information is provided solely as an insurance risk management tool. It is provided with the understanding that the member insurance companies of the Utica National Insurance Group are not providing legal advice, or any other professional services or advice. Utica shall have no liability to any person or entity with respect to any loss or damages alleged to have been caused, directly or indirectly, by the use of this information. You are encouraged to consult an attorney or other professional for advice on these issues.