The best type of crash is the crash that doesn’t happen. Many new vehicles offer safety systems that apply the brakes automatically to avoid rear-end collisions, maintain a pre-set distance between vehicles through adaptive cruise control, and alert the driver to blind-spot hazards, among other forms of driver assistance. Electronic stability control, standard on all cars since 2012, can help you avoid a crash by keeping a car under control during an abrupt steering maneuver.
David Champion, Senior Director of Automotive Testing for Consumer Reports, published by Consumers Union, has observed, “Electronic stability control is the single most important advance in auto safety since the development of the seatbelt.”
When you’re shopping for a new or used vehicle, consider its crash test ratings and its safety systems—the extra focus on safety could save your life.