No one wants to think about getting in an automobile crash. But every day there are over 25,000 vehicles involved in police-reported crashes in the U.S. alone. Look for these important safety features when you buy a new or used car, and some you can add to an existing car to protect yourself and your family.
Standard features on new cars (look for them on used cars):
- Electronic stability control (ESC). This helps keep the car under control during cornering and prevents it from skidding. Having it reduces the risk of rollovers by more than 70 percent.
- Advanced air bags. "Frontal" air bags work with laps/shoulder belts to protect the head and chest from hitting the steering wheel or windshield to avoid serious injuries. Most new models include "side curtain" bags to protect the head, and some have air bags for back seat passengers.
- Anti-lock brake system (ABS). This prevents lock-ups and skidding, even in slippery conditions. Anti-lock brakes have been proven to save lives by helping drivers keep control of a vehicle. Having the system can be the difference between stopping in time or rear-ending another car.
- Blind-spot mirrors. You stick these on your side rear view mirrors to see cars in your "blind spot". Get them at WalMart/Target for $3-$10.
- Bluetooth add-on. This lets you talk through the car stereo so you can make hands-free calls and prevent distracted driving. Ask a local mobile-electronics shop or check on Amazon.com, and expect to pay about $50 to $150 for the adapter plus installation.
- OnStar FMV (For My Vehicle). OnStar lets you talk to a real person when you need help 24/7, and if air bags deploy, will notify emergency vehicles for you. To See if you can get it on your car (from $19/month or $200/year), go to www.onstar.com.
-Chuck Michael -- www.ChucktheRealtor.org
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