When someone says they don't build cars like they used to, my reaction is, Thank goodness! I really wouldn't want to return to the days when style took precedence over crash protection and seat-belts were optional.
In recent years, however, safety advances have zoomed ahead and there's now a dizzying array of innovations to keep track of. Here are some you might want to consider:
Ask if a vehicle's seat-belts come equipped with pretensioners (which automatically pull a belt snug when a crash is imminent to prevent you from moving forward) and load limiters (which allow seat-belts to give slightly during a severe crash to prevent the shoulder belt from injuring your chest). Very short or tall drivers will want to check if the shoulder belt has a height adjustment so it fits properly across the chest.While front air bags are the norm, side air bags, head-curtain air bags and even knee air bags are cropping up in more vehicles. Parents with small children may want to think twice about buying a vehicle equipped with side air bags. No Canadian safety standard has been set for such air bags and children who lean or fall asleep against them may risk injury.
Though you may already be familiar with anti-lock braking systems (ABS), they still aren't standard on all vehicles. ABS won't always stop a vehicle in a shorter distance than conventional brakes, but they prevent wheel lockup during panic stops, allowing drivers to steer clear of danger during hard braking. When comparing new car prices, find out if ABS are standard or an option.Believe it or not, some cars are so sophisticated they will automatically call for help if you're knocked unconscious in a crash. Like I said, they sure don't build 'em like they used to.
Maryanna Lewyckyj is consumer advocate for the Toronto Sun. She conducts car care seminars for women through her company, Autophobics Anonymous.
Here's how to survive the safety-options jungle:
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