Buying A Safer Car – What Hispanics Need To Know.
April 1, 2003
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that when compared to the general population, a disproportionate number of Hispanics are killed and injured in motor vehicle crashes every year. In fact, motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for Hispanics from 1-44 years of age and the third leading cause of death for Hispanics of all ages.
To help improve motor vehicle safety and to help consumers shop for the safest vehicles, every year, NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) conducts crash tests of new vehicles to determine how well drivers and passengers might be protected from injury in frontal and side crashes. NHTSA also tests new vehicles on rollover resistance. The program uses a five star system for rating vehicles, with five stars indicating the highest safety rating and one star the lowest.
According to NHTSA, many manufacturers are designing vehicles with crash protection and safety features that exceed the minimum standards set by the Federal Government.
Key questions to ask when looking for a safer car are:
— How well does this vehicle protect people during a crash?
— How likely is this vehicle to rollover?
— How does it compare to other vehicles?
— What features does this vehicle have to help avoid a crash?
— What other types of safety features does this vehicle have?
— Is this vehicle equipped with child safety features such as LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) System, integrated child seat, rear center lap and shoulder belts, adjustable upper belts for the rear seat available in this vehicle?
Driving a vehicle with advanced safety features and a high crash protection rating may not only save the life of someone you know and reduce injuries in a crash, it may also save you money.
In some states, having certain safety features on a vehicle such as air bags and antilock brakes, reduce the cost of car insurance. Safety features also boost a vehicle’s resale value because more consumers now recognize the importance of vehicle safety.
