A Safe Automobile and how to keep it that way
Automobile safety
If Automobile safety is the highest priority for an owner, then whatever choices are made must keep that priority in the forefront, irrespective of higher purchase cost, maintenance fees or operating expense, etc,. With that understood, the bigger and heavier the vehicle, the better it will protect its occupants. The caveat being, that along with bulk, the physical dimensions are as important. For example, a large SUV that is extremely high is less stable than a lighter large sedan that has a much lower center of gravity and less likely to overturn if involved in an accident. A vehicle that encases its occupants in steel such as a sedan or SUV would be the better choice as opposed to an open convertible or sport coupe.
To assist in determining vehicle safety ratings go to sites such as;
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration;www.nhtsa.dot.gov/
Insurance Institute for Highway Safety;www.iihs.org/ratings
Motortrend, Auto Safety Ratings:www.motortrend.com/new_cars/safety_ratings
Or, use an Internet Search Engine (i.e. Google.com) to search for "automobile safety ratings."
If your current vehicle's design does not lend itself to inherent safety by advanced design, steps to maximize its safety rating will be limited and may not meet your requirements regardless of how much money you're willing to spend. Be aware that some older models do not have Air Bags, have only Seat Belts and not Shoulder Harnesses, or ABS Braking Systems. Serious consideration should be made that nothing you can do will offset not having this important equipment!
Now a decision must be made as to the next step, either spend an amount of money to maximize the current vehicle, or, purchase another, either new or used, that has a higher rating.
Let's assume that for one reason or another you choose to keep your present vehicle, understanding it may have limits that cannot be improved upon. The first step will be to evaluate the condition of the core safety system, e. g. the Brake System, Tires, the Restraint System (Seat Belt/Harnesses, Air Bags (front and side) and/or Safety Curtains) and Exhaust System. With the exception of the tires, the best that can be done with the others is to replace them, if needed, with original equipment. This certainly will not make them perform better than designed but, it will ensure they perform as specified. Tire safety is often overlooked because they "look" OK, tires should be regularly inspected by an individual experienced in the field, oftentimes excessive wearnormal and/or uneven due to mis-alignment, road damage and imbedded objects may not be readily observable. The owner should check tire pressure following the manufacturer's specifications weekly; tire air pressure gauges are simple to use, inexpensive and readily available. Over or under inflated tires can hamper vehicle handling in emergency situations, as well as, causing wear and increasing gasoline usage. Tires can be replaced with ones especially designed for a number of different road and driving conditions. Replacements are best selected based on one's particular requirements.
The next components of the overall safety system are sometimes overlooked as being less critical, which is a serious mistake. Included are items such as; wheel alignment and tire balance, very important for vehicle stability and steering effectiveness. Also, the structural condition of the wheel supports, shock absorbers and the overall condition of the vehicle's sheet metal/fiberglass body cockpit. All window glass must be clean, clear and easily seen through, as well as, free of cracks or deep nicks, especially the windshield. The windshield wipers must work as designed and the blade material in good to excellent condition. Soon to be part of many States' automobile safety inspections will be the rearview mirror, it must provide a clear, unobstructed view to the rear of the vehicle.
Other minor, but nonetheless important items are; the vehicle's lighting system, many don't take the time to walk around the vehicle to check the physical condition of the various lights and ensure none are burned out. Have an assistant check to see if the Brake and Turn Signal lights are working properly. Doors must close securely; all locks and handles must work properly. If the vehicle is equipped with devices designed specifically for child protection, such as safety door locks that prevent a child from opening a rear door from the inside, power window lock outs to prevent children from operating power windows on their own and a driver operated door locking system, be certain all are working as designed.
None of this equipment can substitute for a driver who is not vigilant, impaired or distracted. Safety equipment is only functional if used as it should be. Follow the manufacturer's recommendations as well as adhering to all safety laws.
Nothing is as sad as seeing a child, anyone actually, who was severely injured or worse because they were not secured as they should have been. Also keep in mind, at highway speeds a faulty tire blow-out...usually results in a serious accident!
