The following safety features are considered some of the most important features a consumer should look for when considering the purchase of a new or used vehicle.

A more comprehensive list of a vehicle’s available features can be found by conducting a search on the Five-Star Crash Test and Rollover Rating section of www.safercar.gov, then clicking on the name of the vehicle.

Be aware that some manufacturers may use other design features that perform the same function as those described here. Also be aware that manufacturers may use different trade names to describe a particular safety feature.

• Safety Belts
• Anti-lock Brake Systems (ABS)
• Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
• Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
• Daytime Running Lights (DRL)
• Frontal Air Bags
• Air Bags: On-Off Switches
• Side Air Bags (SABs) and SAB Out-of-Position Tests
• Rollover Air Bags
• Consider Vehicle Weight

FOR MORE INFORMATION
Visit www.safercar.gov for the latest information on crash test and rollover ratings and other important vehicle safety information.

If you have a safety problem with your vehicle, report it to the Vehicle Safety Hotline: 888-327-4236, TDD 800-424-9153. Each year, nearly three-quarters of newly opened defect investigations are based on consumer reports to NHTSA via the Hotline, the Web, e-mail, or letters.

You can also visit www.safercar.gov to view Buying a Safer Car for Child Passengers, which contains important information to consider when purchasing a vehicle in which children will ride.

Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and www.safercar.gov