These guidelines follow the
recommendations of the American Automobile Association and the
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Instructions
Step One Consider your needs as a driver,
taking into account the kinds of passengers you will transport, the
types of cargo you may need to carry, the distances you plan to
travel and the type of terrain on which you will drive.
Step Two Research the vehicles that you have
in mind. Pay attention to crash-test data and vehicle ratings, which
provide information about safety features and crash ratings.
Step Three Look into the safety features offered
in each
car, such as front and side air bags, new safety belt features,
antilock brakes, traction control and built-in child restraints.
Step Four Keep in mind the weight of the car.
Realize that heavier vehicles tend to fare better in crash tests
than lighter vehicles with the same safety equipment.
Step Five Conduct your own safety check on a
test-drive. Check for proper restraints, visibility and comfort.
Step Six Try installing child safety seats in
the back seat (if you have young children) to ensure compatibility
