Auto manufacturers are spending millions on auto safety to try and make their cars safer than ever before. All of this new technology not only adds to your safety, but it adds to the price tag. So what if you can’t afford a new car with all the fancy bells and whistles?
Most people turn to the internet or the newspaper to find a good used car. We’ve talked about the importance of checking up on used cars to make sure there aren’t active recalls on the model you’re looking to purchase. There are two safety features that you really should shell out the extra money for.
The first safety feature you want to make sure your new (used) car has is electronic stability control. Electronic stability control monitors your vehicles response to your steering, acceleration, etc. and makes adjustments to keep your car under control. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) electronic stability control is one of the most effective means of preventing fatalities.
The second safety feature you want your next vehicle to have is side air bags. These air bags help protect your torso and head while keeping you from flopping around inside the cabin in rollover and side-impact car accidents . Obviously newer cars tend to have side air bags, but they have actually been around for years. So keep an eye out and make sure to put them on your checklist of options.
As a South Carolina car accident attorney I know that buying a new car can be a very stressful experience for people, but there’s no reason why it has to be. The main thing you should do is make sure that you have a list of all the features you want and try not to settle. Your first thoughts should be on safety and reliability. Spending a little bit more money on a safer car can really help save you, and your loved ones in the long run.