Whether you’re a parent helping your teenager shop for their first car, or an adult who is looking there are many safety features and other important things to look for. Here are some tips before you begin your car search to help you choose a safe vehicle.

Car review: Whether you’re buying a new car or looking at used vehicles it’s important to look at the car’s safety reviews. Consumer Reports and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration are good places to start your research. 

• Airbags: Make sure that the car you’re interested in has airbags. Many cars were made before the 1990s may not have airbags, or only feature front airbags for the driver. It’s important to know these things beforehand because having an airbag decreases your risk of severe injury. Be sure to also research the different kinds of airbags such as driver, passenger and side impact airbags. 
• Stability control: Stability control uses electronic sensors to monitor the driver's intended path and the actual direction the car is headed. If the system senses something is wrong, it can slow the engine power or begin activating the brakes. While this system isn’t perfect it does help new drivers, or even seasoned drivers pay attention to the road or adjust driving due to varying road conditions.