How to Buy a Safer Car

Safety features and ratings prospective car buyers should be aware of.

If you already own a car, maintenance is key to keeping it safe. But if you're in the market for a new one, there are several safety features you should be aware of. We asked Tim Hurd of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to enlighten us.

rd.com: What are the five most important questions to ask a dealer when shopping for a safe car?

Tim Hurd: There is no set list of questions. In some cases, car salespersons may not know or accurately represent the safety aspects of a vehicle. You may want to rely on other sources to answer your safety concerns. Some of the more important questions might be:

What are the government's frontal and side crash test ratings?
This information is presented in a five-star rating system that conveys the likelihood of injury in prescribed frontal and side crash situations. These ratings are available from NHTSA's website at www.nhtsa.dot.gov. These ratings should be looked at in conjunction with the off-set crash test ratings available from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

What is the government's rollover resistance rating?
NHTSA rates vehicles with a five-star system for resistance to rollover in single vehicle crashes. This information is especially important if considering an SUV.

What other safety features are available?
Features to consider are side air bags, antilock brakes, traction control, head-injury protection and improved head restraints.

Does the vehicle have safety features designed with children in mind?
Built-in child seats, lower child seat anchorages (LATCH), and advance design air bags are such features.

Does the vehicle work for you?
You should be comfortable, have good visibility and easy access to controls, etc. If you're buying an SUV or a van, ask yourself if you're comfortable with the extra size, different handling and potentially reduced visibility.

rd.com: What are the most important optional safety features we should consider purchasing with a new car?

Tim Hurd: Again there is no one correct answer to this. It depends on your individual situation and needs. Families with children who need child or booster seats may have very different concerns than childless couples or individuals. NHTSA publishes information for consumers purchasing vehicles that will transport children in Buying a Safer Car for Child Passengers. Air bags, built-in child restraints, LATCH systems and other child-oriented features are listed in this brochure.

Other safety features that should be considered for most people are side air bags, improved head protection features, antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability control and improved head restraints. Crash and rollover resistance ratings are not features, but are very important if considering safety. The type of vehicle chosen also may have safety implications. A sports car may handle well and be fun, but will offer less protection in most crashes. Similarly, an SUV, light truck or van does better in certain crashes, but its handling characteristics may make it more prone to loss of control or rollover.

rd.com: What kinds of problems lead to recalls?

Tim Hurd: The recalls administered by NHTSA are safety recalls involving a risk of personal injury. Emissions equipment problems or non-safety issues are not part of this agency's work. The safety problem must be related to a defect, and the manufacturer is given the choice of repairing, replacing, or repurchasing the vehicle or equipment.

Recalls involve a wide range of safety defects, covering everything from mistakes in owners manuals to fires and seat belt failures. Child safety seat recalls are also enforced by NHTSA, as are problems with heavy trucks and buses.

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• 9 Car Safety Features to Look Out For
• What to look for when shopping for a car.
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• How Safe Is Your Car?
• Find out which cars and trucks scored the highest on safety ratings.
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• National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
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