Problems and Issues

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's web site is a great source of information. Look at the Car Safety section to research various kinds of safety equipment, safety problems and issues, crash test results, and a great deal more. You'll be able to find what kind of safety equipment comes with the car you're interested in, and how that vehicle is rated in comparison to other vehicles in its category.

Look to see if a particular car or truck is being investigated for safety issues or whether it has already been found to have problems. You can even read complaints filed with the NHTSA by citizens like yourself who own the same vehicle you're considering.

A great deal of general safety information is also available on subjects such as:

• Child restraints
• Children and airbags
• Anti-lock brakes
• Tires

Plug in the make, model, and year of the car you are interested in to get crash results comparing your vehicle to others.

If you would like to match up the vehicle you're thinking about purchasing with other vehicles and related insurance costs, the NHTSA makes it simple to evaluate any make of car. The NHTSA can also be reached by phone at 1-888-327-4236.

What You Should Know About Vehicle Safety Features

Safety is a primary factor for many people when they shop for a new vehicle. For example, a vehicle's size plays an important role in the safety of its occupants. With all else being equal, the laws of physics dictate that a larger, heavier vehicle is safer than a smaller, lighter one. In relation to their numbers on the road, small cars have twice as many occupant deaths each year as large cars.

When shopping for a car, make sure that the seat belt fits you comfortably. If it doesn't, there's a good chance you won't use it very often. Even if the car has airbags, wearing a seat belt is still critical - using both can double your protection. Many injuries caused by airbags are due to the fact that a seat belt was not in use thereby allowing the victim to be too close to the bag when it deployed.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety is a gold mine of information regarding auto safety. Go to their website to research vehicle safety ratings, safety features like airbags and anti-lock brakes, and consumer publications. In the Consumer Publications section you'll find articles written on subjects like Shopping For a Safer Car and Crashworthiness Evaluations.