Americans buy almost 60 million new and used cars every year.
The first factor most people consider is cost. Then, of course, you have to spend some time researching the many features each vehicle offers. Safety is another important factor, especially for those purchasing a family car.
If you’re in the market for a new or used vehicle, make every effort to find the safest car possible. You don’t want something that’s going to put you or your family into harm’s while on the road. This takes time and research.
Need some help? Keep reading to learn what features the safest car will offer you and your family.
Frontal and Side Crashworthiness
If a car was involved in a crash, how would it hold up?
Organizations like the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety go to great lengths to determine the frontal and side crashworthiness of cars. Take a look at the crashworthiness of different cars before seriously considering them.
Roof Strength
Many drivers don’t realize this, but the strength of your car’s roof could be every bit as important as the crashworthiness of it during an accident. The safest car will have a roof that’s strong enough to withstand a rollover crash.
When you have a strong roof over your head, you won’t have to worry as much about your roof caving in during an accident. It’ll also reduce the chances of you sustaining a fatal injury in a crash.
Car Weight
A smaller car might have all the right safety features. But if it’s involved in an accident with a large SUV, it won’t stand a chance when it comes to keeping you safe.
As a general rule of thumb, a safe car often weighs somewhere between 3,500 and 4,500 pounds. That’s big enough to withstand whatever a large truck or SUV might throw at it.
Head Restraints
Whiplash is a condition that affects about 2 million people every year. Those involved in rear-end collisions often get whiplash when their heads shoot forward during a crash before slamming back into their head restraint.
Quality head restraints cushion the blow during a crash and prevent whiplash in most cases. Learn more about what you should do if whiplash takes a toll on you following an accident.
So, What Is the Safest Car Money Can Buy?
There isn’t just one “safest car.” There are many cars that the IIHS has deemed safe over the years.
Right now, they’re high on cars like the Toyota RAV4 Mini-SUV, Honda Odyssey Minivan, and Volvo S60 Sedan. But there are plenty of other safe options for you to choose from if these models don’t fit your style or needs.
The key is to find a car that you love that comes equipped with the best safety ratings in the business. It’ll ensure you and your loved ones remain safe in the event of a car accident.
Check out our blog for additional information on buying the right new or used car.
