When buying a **new car**, safety should be one of the most important things you take into account. Today’s cars have sophisticated **car safety features** that help prevent accidents, protect occupants, and reduce the severity of injuries in a crash.
When you’re shopping for a sedan, SUV, truck, or family car, here are the **10 most important car safety features to look for when buying a new car**.
1. Automated Emergency Braking
**Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB)** is one of the most important modern **car safety features**. If the driver doesn’t react quickly enough, the system can detect a potential collision and brake for you.
2. Forward Collision Alert
**Forward Collision Warning** Employs cameras, radar, or other sensors to recognize vehicles or objects ahead and alert the driver when a potential front-end collision is identified.
3. BLIND SPOT MONITORING
**Blind-spot monitoring** alerts drivers to vehicles that may be hard to see in their mirrors. This **vehicle safety feature** can be a great help when changing lanes on busy highways.
4. Lane Departure Warning
**Lane-Keeping Assist** helps keep the vehicle in its lane if it detects the vehicle drifting out of its lane without the driver intentionally steering the vehicle.
5. Adaptive Cruise Control
**Adaptive Cruise Control** automatically adjusts the vehicle speed to maintain a preset distance behind traffic ahead. It can help make highway driving less of a chore while adding another driver assist feature.
6. Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCA)
**Rear Cross-Traffic Alert** alerts drivers to approaching traffic when backing out of parking spaces or driveways. This can be especially useful when visibility is poor.
7. Rearview camera
A **backup camera** allows the driver to see behind the vehicle when backing up. This is an important **car safety feature** to help drivers see obstacles, pedestrians, and other vehicles that may be difficult to see from the driver’s seat.
8. Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
**Electronic Stability Control (ESC)** helps the driver maintain vehicle control when it begins to skid or lose traction. This is especially important in sudden maneuvers and poor road conditions.
9. Airbags and Advanced Restraint Systems
A new vehicle should have a complete **airbag system** and well-constructed seat belts. Newer cars may have front, side-impact, curtain, and other airbags to help protect occupants in different types of crashes.
What Are the Top Safety Features in a New Car?
The best **car safety features** are those that work hand in hand to help prevent accidents and, if an accident does happen, protect occupants. Features like **automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, forward collision warning, and adaptive cruise control** can provide useful assistance.
Driver-assistance technology is never a substitute for an intelligent driver. Always check the safe and equipment, available trims, and safety ratings of the specific vehicle before purchase.
Final Thoughts When shopping for a **new vehicle,** don’t just look at price, fuel economy, technology, and comfort. **Vehicle safety features** make up a big part of your buying decision. By comparing the **best car safety features** for various makes, models, and trim levels, you’ll be sure to find a vehicle that best fits your needs and offers added protection for you and your passengers.