Steer your way to a safe car for you and your family.
Are you taking advantage of the sales going on at your local car dealership? Whether it’s an End of Summer Blowout Sale or you’re trading in your family sedan for your college student, purchasing a safe car should be on the top of your list.
Not only do vehicles vary in size and color, but they also vary in safety ratings. Many automakers offer safety features beyond the required federal minimums. Aim to purchase a safe car, as one can keep you (and your family) safe for many years to come.
Size – The laws of physics dictate that larger and heavier cars are safer. While a smaller car is great for island driving, it could be at risk if involved in a freeway crash with an SUV. However, bigger isn’t always better! Big cars can guzzle more fuel, may be inconvenient to drive and park, and can be more expensive overall.
Performance – High-performance cars can tempt you to drive faster. Before buying your teenager a nifty sports car, you should consider the likelihood of them going above and beyond the speed limit.
Structure – Ask the dealer about a car’s safety cage. The crumple zone should be sufficient and the materials used shouldn’t be flexible or cheaply constructed. If the front and rear crush zones are inadequate, the likelihood of injury increases rapidly.
Restraint systems – Belts, airbags, and restraints all work together with a vehicle’s structure to protect passengers in serious crashes. In some cars, there will be a simple belt and passengers and driver airbags. More and more cars are now installing multi-way belts for added protection for children and babies, as well as side airbags. You may want to look for the car with more added restraint systems!
Crashworthiness – See how cars faired up in crash ratings
here.
The price of safety doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag! Once you have secured the safe car for you and your family,
contact Tompkins Insurance Agencies for help finding an
auto insurance policy to suit your needs and budget.
