We
would all like to stay safe on the roads, even those of us prone to the odd boy
racer moment, so when we’re looking for a vehicle to buy, one of the first
things we should assess is its safety credentials. This applies to every make
and model; whether you’re buying new from a top-of-the-range showroom in London
or looking for a bog-standard used car in
Nottingham, the rules are still the same.
So
what, exactly, should you be keeping an eye out for? Here are four essentials
that you must always check are present…
#1:
Strong Frontal Crash Test Results
The most common type of collision is a head-on one, and this means that good
frontal crash test results are essential. There is absolutely no need for you
to leave your safety to chance, for this information has been fully compiled
for you in advance of the vehicle ever being released, and the outcomes can be
easily found online for
anyone who wants to take a look at them. Remember, the higher the score, the
less likely you are to be seriously injured or killed in an accident.
#2:
Side Crashworthiness
Side-on
collisions are the second most common type of accident, and the most likely to
be fatal, which is why any vehicle you choose should also have good side-on
crash test results, plus side airbags to protect you from head injuries. Pick
one of the models ranked as ‘good’ in these trials, and you’re 70 percent less
likely to die in such a crash than you would be in a vehicle rated as ‘poor’.
#3:
A Strong Roof
You
also ought to keep an eye out for cars that have been rated highly with regards
to the strength of their roofs. The reason for this is simple: you want a
vehicle that will hold up in the event of a rollover crash. This type of rating
is only available for models released after 2008, but even with older cars, you
can probably gain some idea of how they would rank by doing a little bit of
research online.
#4:
Head Restraints
Additionally,
you really should pick a model that is noted to have a ‘good’ seat/head
restraint score, as this will significantly lessen the likelihood of a whiplash
injuries if your car is hit from behind. Those who own vehicles with such a
rating is shown to be 15 percent less likely to make an insurance claim for
neck injuries, which says all that needs to be said.
Stay
safe on the roads today: follow our four top tips above to reduce your risks,
and lessen the likelihood of you being injured in an accident.