What Safety Features Should I Look for in a Car?
Advanced Airbag Systems
Modern vehicles often include more than just front airbags. According to the IIHS, comprehensive airbag systems significantly reduce injury risk.
Look for vehicles with: |
- Front and side-impact airbags
- Curtain airbags for head protection
- Knee airbags for added lower-body safety
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Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS)
ABS prevents wheels from locking during emergency braking, allowing better steering control. NHTSA confirms ABS lowers crash risk on slick or uneven roads.
ABS benefits include: |
- Improved control during hard stops
- Reduced skidding on wet pavement
- Better braking performance in emergencies
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Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
ESC helps prevent loss of control by automatically adjusting braking and engine power. IIHS studies show ESC reduces fatal single-vehicle crashes by nearly 50%.
ESC is especially helpful when: |
- Driving in rain or snow
- Taking sharp turns
- Avoiding sudden obstacles
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Blind Spot Monitoring
Blind spot monitoring alerts drivers when another vehicle enters hard-to-see areas. This feature is ideal for highway driving and busy New Jersey traffic.
Why it matters: |
- Reduces lane-change collisions
- Improves driver awareness
- Adds confidence during merging
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Rearview Cameras
Rearview cameras greatly improve visibility while backing up. NHTSA reports these systems reduce back-over accidents involving pedestrians and children.
Key advantages include: |
- Safer parking
- Better rear visibility
- Reduced low-speed accidents
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