by Marlin Bressi

Created on: November 04, 2008   Last Updated: November 16, 2008

When purchasing a new or used car, safety features are one of the most important things we take into consideration. Unfortunately, there are so many conflicting opinions about certain safety features, such as airbags, that it can make the process of car-buying frustrating and downright confusing.

Much has been written on airbags over the years, and whether or not they present a danger to small children. While it is true that airbag deployment has caused dozens of deaths and countless injuries, most of those tragedies took place prior to 2003, which is when auto manufacturers began phasing-in a new type of airbag, commonly referred to as "smart airbags". These "smart airbags" (also known as dual-stage or multi-stage airbags) rely on sensors which, based on the size and body position of the occupant, deploy with varying degrees of force. Over the years, smart airbag technology has improved so much that by 2006 these next-generation airbags became required in all light-duty vehicles. In other words, unless you drive a dump truck, there's a good chance that your 2006-or-later vehicle utilizes this technology.

Not all airbags are created equal, however. Most newer cars have front and side airbags as well as curtain airbags, which are designed to deploy from above in order to protect the occupant's head. Curtain airbags are already standard equipment in many vehicles, including most models by luxury manufacturers like Acura, BMW and Infinity. Surprisingly, however, this safety feature is also standard in many lower-priced vehicles manufactured by Honda and Kia. To get the most out of any airbag, it must be used in conjunction with seat belts. According to a recent NHTSA report, an airbag's effectiveness increases 40% if seat belts are in use.

Seat belts are another safety feature which has undergone public scrutiny in recent years. While it is always a good idea to wear a seat belt, it is important to make sure that your vehicle has the right kind of seat belt to suit your family's needs. Look for seat belts with shoulder harnesses for your back seat, as you would expect to find in the front seats. Since modern seat belts depend on motion sensors to work, it is important to have a professional examine the vehicle's seat belts on a yearly basis to make sure that they are working properly.

Tires are a safety feature often overlooked by vehicle owners. While a vehicle's tires may look safe to the casual observer, it takes a skilled technician to determine just how safe

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