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Sophisticated safety features that were available only on
luxury cars just a few years ago are now common among all
price ranges. But many shoppers are unfamiliar with these
features or their benefits, so they may overlook them when
comparing different models. Here's a rundown of some of the
more important ones to look for.
Antilock brake system (ABS)
When a vehicle's wheels lock up during an emergency stop,
the driver loses steering control and a vehicle can skid sideways.
In most practical situations, ABS can reduce panic-stop distances
over non-ABS-equipped cars (especially in rain or ice). Its
primary benefits, though, are to keep the vehicle going straight,
even when braking on a slippery surface, and to allow the
driver to retain steering control while braking so that the
car can be maneuvered around an obstacle, if necessary. 
Traction control
This system limits wheel spin during acceleration so that
the drive wheels have maximum traction. If a wheel begins
to spin, the system selectively applies the brakes, reduces
engine output, or both until traction is regained. Traction
control is particularly useful when starting from a standstill
in wet or icy conditions, and can be helpful as a less expensive
(though less effective) alternative to all- or four-wheel
drive. Some traction-control systems only operate at low speeds,
while others work at all speeds.
Electronic stability control
This system helps keep the vehicle on its intended path during
a turn, to avoid sliding or skidding. It's especially helpful
in slippery conditions and accident-avoidance situations.
On a sport-utility vehicle, pickup, or other tall vehicle,
it can also help prevent getting into a situation that could
lead to a rollover. When available, stability control is highly
recommended by our auto experts. The system, however, has
its limits; nothing can overcome the laws of physics. Automakers
refer to their stability-control systems by different trademarked
names and acronyms, which can be confusing. If in doubt, ask.
Safety-belt features
The safety belt remains the most important safety element
in a crash, and new features are helping seatbelts do their
job more effectively by managing belt tension during an accident.
Pretensioners instantly retract the belts during a frontal
impact, removing any slack. This helps to hold a person in
the seat and in the optimal position for the front air bags.
Force limiters are a companion feature on many vehicles with
pretensioners. These relax the belt tension slightly following
the initial impact to limit pressure on the chest.
Front air bags
These are now standard on all new vehicles. While air bags
have saved many lives, they also have the potential for injury
or even death, especially if occupants aren't using a safety
belt. In recent years, automakers have redesigned their air-bag
systems to minimize the risk of harm by reducing their deployment
force and developing new control systems. A recent development
is dual-stage deployment. In a low-speed collision, the bags
inflate less aggressively-with about 70 to 80 percent of the
force of a single-stage air bag. In a higher-speed collision,
they inflate with full force. Some luxury models also offer
passenger-seat sensing systems that, depending on the system,
can deactivate the passenger-side air bag if either a small
person or no one is in the seat. Mercedes-Benz also offers
its BabySmart system, which senses a transponder in a compatible
child safety seat and automatically deactivates the passenger-side
bag. Almost all two-passenger vehicles also provide a key-operated
switch to deactivate the passenger-side air bag when carrying
children in the front seat.
Side air bags
Front side bags are becoming more common and affordable,
and some automakers are now offering rear side bags, as well.
The latest development in this area is the greater use of
curtain-type side bags, which work in conjunction with conventional
side air bags to provide increased protection during a side
impact. The side-curtain bag spreads across both front and
rear windows and is designed to prevent occupants from hitting
their heads on the side windows or roof pillars. A curtain
bag can also help shield passengers from glass splinters and
other debris, and help prevent people from being ejected during
a rollover.
Child-seat attachments
Top-tether anchors are now required on all new cars. They're
located behind the rear seat, usually either on the parcel
tray of a trunk-equipped car or in the seatbacks or cargo
floor of an SUV, minivan, or wagon. Some new child seats also
work with a universal lower mounting system commonly called
LATCH (although also known as ISOFIX). This design uses two
attachment points between the rear seatback and lower cushion
so you can attach the child seat easily and more securely.
Ideally, both upper and lower attachments should be used.
Keyless remote
In addition to being a convenience item, a keyless remote
can provide an extra measure of safety. It allows you to unlock
the vehicle's doors—and often turn on interior lights—from
a distance, which can be a safety advantage on a dark night.
Most fobs also include a "panic" button, which will
set off the car alarm when pressed—handy if you suspect
an intruder is nearby.
Tire-pressure monitoring system
Underinflated tires can compromise a vehicle's handling and
fuel economy, as well as cause premature wear of the tire.
Yet, a tire can lose air so slowly, many drivers don't realize
it's happening. Although not a substitute for regular maintenance,
a tire-pressure monitoring system can alert a driver to a
low-pressure tire before it becomes a significant problem.
It can also be handy in monitoring a tire that has just had
a severe impact with a pothole or piece of road debris. Auto-safety
legislation, passed late last year, requires that all new
vehicles manufactured after November 2003 must come equipped
with a tire-pressure warning system. Still, it's cheap enough
to buy a tire gauge and regularly check the tire pressure
yourself every month.
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