- Seat Belt : Check for both the front and rear seat belts regularly and when you buy a car. You could test the belt by tugging hard; the belt should tighten and jerk, if not change them!
- Air Bags : It is good to have both front seats as well as side air bags. However be aware of the dangers of air bags as well.
- Side Impact Bars : This ensures that the car door with a built-in beam, does not fold and crush a person on impact.
- Head Restraint : A car fixed with an anti-whiplash system has headrests which automatically move to prevent your head from snapping back in the event of a crash. This snapping motion, known as ‘whiplash’ if not controlled could cause one’s spine to snap.
- Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) : This prevents the brakes from locking, hence preventing you from skidding and losing control.
- Bumper : These should shatter on impact to lessen the shock.
- Glass : For new cars, the glass used shatters into small circles on impact. These reduced the sharp edges and are thus less dangerous.
Chapter: Autos :: 25 April 2007
