Safety Features To Consider
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Large, medium-to-heavy weight car-based, instead of
truck-based, structure.
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Low center of gravity.
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Front and rear ends designed to crumple in a crash.
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Strong occupant compartment.
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Driver and front-seat passenger airbags.
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Side-impact airbags.
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Seat belts for all occupants.
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Head restraints.
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Child passenger safety equipment,
including the Lower Anchor and Tether(s) for
Children (LATCH) system.
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Antilock brake system.
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Traction control.
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Electronic stability control.
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Front and rear head curtain airbags.
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Daytime running lights.
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Tire-pressure monitoring system.
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Automatic dimming rearview mirror.
Where To Find Vehicle Safety Ratings
- Frontal offset and side-impact crash tests: Insurance
Institute for Highway Safety
(IIHS) at www.iihs.org.
- Full-frontal and side-impact crash tests, and rollover
resistance ratings: National
Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) at www.safercar.gov.
- Injury, collision and theft ratings: Highway Loss
Data Institute (HLDI) at www.iihs.org.
For More Information
The USAA Educational Foundation publications,
Safe On The Road
and Installing Child Safety Seats,
offer more information.
Safety Considerations For Children
According to the NHTSA, motor vehicle crashes are the single largest cause of child fatalities
in the U.S. When transporting children, remember the following.
- Never place a rear-facing infant seat in the front seat with a passenger side airbag — even a reduced
force airbag — unless the airbag On-Off switch is in the OFF position.* Infants and children can be
seriously injured or killed if the airbag inflates.
- Keep children 12 years old and younger in the back seat. Make sure they are properly restrained in a
seat belt or size and weight-appropriate child safety seat.
- Always refer to the child safety seat instructions and vehicle manufacturer’s instructions on weight limits,
proper use and installation. The USAA Educational Foundation publication,
Installing Child Safety Seats, offers more information.
* On-Off switches are not available for all vehicles. You can get a brochure about these switches as well as an
installation request form from local vehicle dealerships, state motor vehicle offices and NHTSA.
LATCH (Lower Anchors And Tethers For Children) System
LATCH is a vehicle safety seat attachment system that comes with some child safety seats.
You do not need to use vehicle seat belts to secure the safety seat. However, unless both the vehicle
and child safety seat have the LATCH system, you will need to use the vehicle seat belts to secure the child safety seat.
Integrated Seats
An integrated seat is built into the vehicle seat by the manufacturer so you do not have to install the child safety seat.
However, there are advantages and disadvantages of integrated seats, so do your research before making a decision.
Advanced Airbags
Vehicles with advanced airbag systems are safer for both children and adults.
Other child-safety features to consider when buying a vehicle:
- Safety door locks and window override controls.
- Interior trunk release so that children can be taught how not to become trapped in the trunk.
Compatibility Issues
Child safety seats will not fit properly in many pickup truck rear seats. There is not enough space
between the rear of the front seat and the child to allow forward motion in the event of a sudden stop
or a crash. Side-facing jump seats are not safe for a child under any circumstances.
Additionally, it is best to avoid coupes, sports cars and pickup trucks without extended cabs.
Safety Considerations For Teens
Statistically, teenage drivers are more likely to have accidents and more likely to die in those accidents
than any other age group. Whether your teen will be driving the family vehicle or one of their own, here are
some tips to help you select a safer vehicle.
| Vehicles To Consider
|
| A Mid- Or Full-Size Vehicle |
Generally, bigger is better.
However, you do not have to put your teen in the largest vehicle
you can find. Many mid- and full-sized vehicles offer excellent crash protection. |
|
Vehicles With A Low Center Of Gravity |
Select a vehicle with a relatively low
center of gravity. SUVs — especially the smaller ones — are less stable
than passenger cars and are more likely to roll over because of their higher
centers of gravity. |
| Good Safety Ratings |
Check the frontal and side crash test ratings
at www.safercar.gov and
www.iihs.org. |
| Newer Models |
Most have better safety equipment,
offer better crash protection, improved reliability, better gas mileage
and lower insurance rates. |
Safety Considerations For Older Drivers
As early as age 40, an individual’s driving ability may be compromised by the following physical changes:
- Slowed reaction time.
- Increased fragility.
- Decreased flexibility.
- Deteriorating eyesight.
- Fading hearing.
- Weakening muscle strength.
In addition to assessing a vehicle’s crashworthiness and safety features, older drivers should consider
features that offer a comfortable fit, increased visibility and features that compensate for reduced
flexibility. Features to consider include the following:
- Height-adjustable seats for good visibility. You should be able to see at
least 3 inches over the top of the steering wheel.
- Pedal extenders.
- Power steering, windows and door locks.
- Good visibility.
- Tilt/telescoping steering wheel.
- Legible instrument panel.
- Large glare-proof mirrors.
- Access to vehicle controls, including gas and brake pedals.
- Antilock brake systems.
- Properly adjusted headrests, located against the back of your head.
- Properly fitted restraints.
|
Buying Your First Vehicle 
Buying Your First Vehicle
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