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Car Safety

Published: February 2013

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Safety remains a top concern for new-car shoppers, and fortunately, today’s modern cars offer more occupant protection and accident avoidance technologies than the typical model being traded in. But not all cars are equal; there are clearly those models that perform better in our dynamic tests, as well as crash tests conducted by the government and insurance industry. Test results on our car model pages reveal the differences, though there is more to safety.

New technologies offer potential benefits, such as blind-spot detection and collision warning system. But ultimately, the driver is a critical factor, especially among teens and older drivers.

Our overall coverage can help you to make an informed purchase decision, learn about the technology offerings, and potentially improve your driving behavior.

See our list of the latest car recalls to find out if your vehicle has a safety-related defect or problem.

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Safety features

Guide to safety features
Tire safety
Smarter, safer cars
Technology to detect children in hot car
Safety features slow to spread
Crash avoidance systems
Black box standards
Emergency kits
Emergency trunk release
What to do in a roadside emergency
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Safe driving

Worst case scenarios
Apps to help after a crash
Simple tips to drive safely
Guide to winter driving
Driving after a hurricane
Countermeasures to reduce crashes
Dangerous cities for pedestrians
What to do if you lock your keys in the car
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Child car safety

Kids and car safety
Car seat Ratings
Car seat buying guide
Car seat LATCH
Danger of blind spots
Aftermarket backup cameras
Child safety concerns
Hot cars: A deadly danger
Power window switches
Safety of third row seats
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Teens

Distracted driving & teen safety
Best new cars for teens
Best used cars for teens
Teen distracted driving
Risky drivers
Tips for teen drivers & parents
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Older drivers

Older driver risks
Best cars for seniors
Giving up the keys
Alternative transportation
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Safety resources

Crash test 101
Rollover 101
Black box 101
Roof crush standards
Rear-end crash protection
How to improve U.S. car safety
Motorcycle helmet laws
Important safety checks
Search for recalls
How to write a safety complaint
   

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