There are many things to consider when purchasing a new vehicle. The safety of your family is one of the most important factors, so it’s important to do thorough research before you buy. But what can you do to make sure that the vehicle you’re considering is safe for your kids? In this blog post, we’ll cover eight ways that will help ensure that your next car purchase is safe for everyone in your family!
1) Check For A Backup Camera
If you have small kids, it’s important to make sure the car you are buying has a backup camera. A backup camera lets you see directly behind your vehicle when backing up. This is great for ensuring that your driveway or garage entrance is clear before pulling out into busy traffic. Give yourself peace of mind by choosing a vehicle that has a backup camera.
2) Look For Anti-Lock Brakes
You want to keep your family as safe as possible, so items like an anti-lock braking system are important. These features reduce the risks for collisions by preventing wheel lock-up on slippery surfaces or during hard braking. This will allow you to have greater control over your vehicle in various conditions.
3) Consider Seat Belt Pretensioners
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, seat belt pretensioners reduce front-seat occupant deaths by an estimated 23%. What are they? Seat belt pretensioners help tighten the seat belts on passengers during a collision. The slack is taken up, and the belt is pulled tight. This reduces the distance the passengers’ bodies travel in a collision, decreasing their chance of injury or death.
4) Ensure Enough Room For Car Seats
A vehicle’s interior should be big enough for your child’s car seat. You need to be able to install it properly and easily, so the space you have will determine how safe your child is in the event of an accident. When planning out your new vehicle purchase, make sure you pick one that has enough room for a proper car seat installation.
5) Check For Side Impact Air Bags
Side-impact airbags are another important safety feature. They use the same technology as your knee airbag, which reduces seat belt strain from a side-impact collision. These bags provide additional protection for passengers in the event of an accident.
6) Get A Vehicle That Supports LATCH Connectors
LATCH stands for Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children. These connectors were designed to secure child safety seats more easily and effectively than seat belts alone. When choosing a vehicle, be sure it has LATCH connectors in the second row of seats so that your child’s car seat can be secured correctly.
7) Choose Electronic Stability Control
Electronic stability control helps drivers maintain control of their vehicles on slippery surfaces. This is a great feature for ensuring you have more control over the vehicle when driving in hazardous conditions. If your local roads are prone to slick patches, this is an excellent safety option to consider.
8) Make Sure Head Air Bags Are Available
In addition to the typical seat and torso airbags, you should look for head airbags. These are especially important in protecting smaller passengers who may not sit in the right position to receive adequate protection from a regular airbag. If you have small children, it’s a great idea to pick a vehicle with these types of airbags!
In conclusion, all of these items are important for ensuring your family’s safety. Car crashes can be deadly, so it’s best to protect yourself and your passengers with as many safety features as possible.