by Bob Wainwright

Created on: November 07, 2008   Last Updated: November 21, 2008

Automobile safety

If Automobile safety is the highest priority for an owner, then whatever choices are made must keep that priority in the forefront, irrespective of higher purchase cost, maintenance fees or operating expense, etc,. With that understood, the bigger and heavier the vehicle, the better it will protect its occupants. The caveat being, that along with bulk, the physical dimensions are as important. For example, a large SUV that is extremely high is less stable than a lighter large sedan that has a much lower center of gravity and less likely to overturn if involved in an accident. A vehicle that encases its occupants in steel such as a sedan or SUV would be the better choice as opposed to an open convertible or sport coupe.

To assist in determining vehicle safety ratings go to sites such as;

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration; www.nhtsa.dot.gov/

Insurance Institute for Highway Safety; www.iihs.org/ratings

Motortrend, Auto Safety Ratings: www.motortrend.com/new_cars/safety_ratings

Or, use an Internet Search Engine (i.e. Google.com) to search for "automobile safety ratings."

If your current vehicle's design does not lend itself to inherent safety by advanced design, steps to maximize its safety rating will be limited and may not meet your requirements regardless of how much money you're willing to spend. Be aware that some older models do not have Air Bags, have only Seat Belts and not Shoulder Harnesses, or ABS Braking Systems. Serious consideration should be made that nothing you can do will offset not having this important equipment!

Now a decision must be made as to the next step, either spend an amount of money to maximize the current vehicle, or, purchase another, either new or used, that has a higher rating.

Let's assume that for one reason or another you choose to keep your present vehicle, understanding it may have limits that cannot be improved upon. The first step will be to evaluate the condition of the core safety system, e. g. the Brake System, Tires, the Restraint System (Seat Belt/Harnesses, Air Bags (front and side) and/or Safety Curtains) and Exhaust System. With the exception of the tires, the best that can be done with the others is to replace them, if needed, with original equipment. This certainly will not make them perform better than designed but, it will ensure they perform as specified. Tire safety is often overlooked because they "look" OK, tires should be regularly inspected by an individual experienced in the field,

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>