WHAT MAKES A SAFER CAR? Size: A larger car is generally safer. Insurance claims are more frequent for small cars and small cars have more than twice as many deaths to occupants in a year as in large cars. Air Bags: Driver deaths in frontal collisions are about 20% lower with air bags. However air bags can also cause injury or death...this is usually caused when the person is very close to the bag when it begins to inflate. A child should never sit in a seat protected by an air bag. Lap/Shoulder Belts reduce injuries and save lives. Driver Position. The driver should be able to sit comfortably at least 10 inches away from the wheel. Sitting closer increases your risk of injury. Head Restraints are now required in the fron seat of all new cars and help prevent neck injuries in rear-end crashes. Fixed head restraints are preferable as you do not need to adjust them for different occupants. If you purchase a car with adjustable head restraints be sure they lock when you adjust them. Vehicles with higher safety standards/records often qualify for reduced insurance rates and you may be entitled to additional discounts if your car has safety devices such as air bags or automatic seat belts. Click here for the online brochure Shopping For A Safer Car offered by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.