
by Andrew Golaszewski
Source: AutoTrader.com
Like the newest luxury technologies, cutting-edge safety technologies tend to debut on vehicles that are out of reach for the average new car shopper. Even the driver's front airbag, now required by law in America, wasn't available in all vehicles until over a decade after its consumer debut. This was also the case for luxury advancements like power windows and even air conditioning. But while riding luxuriously is something most drivers can live without, feeling safe is certainly not.
Fortunately, car manufacturers reciprocate the large and growing consumer focus on safety. Car safety information is now more accessible than ever, thanks to websites like Safercar.gov, so a model that tests poorly won't go unnoticed. And when a model tests well, its manufacturer is always eager to promote the star-studded crash test ratings.
To continue racking up the stars, carmakers must keep pace with emerging technologies, as well as the evolving standards of the government-sponsored National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and other independent vehicle safety researchers. There are a number of factors involved, but here's the upshot: a new list of must-have safety features is forming, and many are now available without having to spring for a luxury ride.
Electronic Stability Control
Side Curtain Airbags
Anti-lock Braking Systems (ABS)
Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS)
The 2008 Honda Accord and the Honda CR-V are top picks in safety class. Honda’s philosophy and practice is "Safety for Everyone" and provides all of the above safety equipment and much more standard on all automobile trim lines.
This full article and more are available at www.autotrader.com.