Did you know that automobile crashworthiness is not the same as vehicle safety?

Crashworthiness determines the ability of your automobile to prevent personal injury should an accident occur. It determines how well your car or truck will protect you and your family in the event of a crash. Automobile crashworthiness is composed of items such as seat belts, airbags, crumple zones, side impact protection, and head rests.

Automobile safety refers to equipment or design features used to prevent accidents such as early warning indicators, ABS brakes, vehicle handling, and stability controls.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) conduct crash testing to determine the crashworthiness of vehicles. The government agencies help set minimum safety standards for automobiles to minimize personal injuries sustained in auto accidents.

The NHTSA recommends that prospective car and truck buyers look for the following features of crashworthiness and safety:

• Airbags - how many and where are they located
• Seatbelts - tension features
• Child seat attachment system
• Anti-lock braking systems (ABS)
• Emergency braking assist systems
• Adaptive cruise control
• Traction and stability control
• Head restraints
• All-wheel or four wheel drive system
• Tire pressure monitoring system
• Daytime running lights
• Automatic dimming rearview and side mirrors

There is also an added benefit to purchasing a car or truck with more safety features, as insurance companies may lower your insurance premium.