The Importance of Crash Testing
Crash-test ratings are meaningful only when comparing vehicles in the same weight class. Results do not reflect the extent to which an occupant in a light weight vehicle could be injured in a collision with a heavier vehicle.

New Safety measures:Manufacturers provide buyers the most complete information about standard or optional safety equipment on their vehicles. Listed below are features that are especially important.

Air Bags. Air Bags instantly inflate in frontal crashes at speeds as low as 15 mph. They are designed to prevent occupants from hitting the dashboard, steering wheel or windshield. Driver and front passenger air bags will be standard equipment in all model year 1998 cars and all model year 1999 light trucks, vans and sport utility vehicles. Many vehicles are already equipped with this important feature.

Front air bags do not eliminate the need for safety belts and they offer no protection in rollovers, rear or side impacts. Safety belts help keep you in place should a collision occur.

Caution: Never use a rear-facing child safety seat in a front seat equipped with a passenger-side air bag. As the air bag opens, it may exert too much force on the safety seat and injure the child.Anti-lock Brakes. Anti-lock brake systems prevent a vehicle's wheels from locking up during "panic" braking by automatically pumping brakes several times per second. This allows the driver to retain steering control as the vehicle slows - a key factor in avoiding a collision.
Even with ABS, hydroplaning and skidding can be caused by excessive speed or extreme steering manoeuvres. Be sure to read your owner's manual for more information about ABS.

Safety Belt Systems. Safety belt systems are your best protection in a crash. They prevent you from colliding with the dash or windshield and hold you inside the vehicle.hether manual or automatic, safety belts are most effective if adjusted properly. All safety belts should be pulled tightly across the pelvis. Some systems also offer adjustable anchors that change the height of the shoulder strap to improve belt fit. Check the manufacturer's instructions to properly adjust safety belts in your car.. Side-impact crashes are the second leading cause of death and injury to passenger car occupants. At least 25 percent of 1995 passenger cars must be equipped to protect the front and rear occupants during a simulated 30 mph side-impact crash. The government requires all 1997 passenger cars have this protection. Many new models provide this protection ahead of the required schedule.

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Side-Impact Protection

Manufacturers can choose from a number of features to fulfill this requirement - including extra structure, energy-absorbing foam, door panel or seat-mounted air bags - as long as the vehicle passes occupant protection requirements.