Surveys indicate that car buyers rate vehicle safety as important when choosing a vehicle. However most people have limited understanding of what makes one car safer than another.
To compound this, terminology for safety equipment varies from maker to maker as do the descriptions and features of the various systems. This can occur even where the equipment or system is essentially the same as that used in a different model or by another manufacturer.
Additionally, the rapid emergence of new technology and the increasing use of advanced safety systems mean many buyers may not be aware of these features or understand the safety benefits they provide.
In fact, in many cases it isn't easy to establish the full list of safety features available in any particular vehicle. Nor is it easy to determine what some of the equipment does.
So in many cases, consumers are unable to make an informed choice about which vehicle has the better level of safety equipment.
When choosing your next car, its important to make safety a priority and take the time to consider what safety features you want. If a particular feature isn't available in the vehicle you are considering, or is bundled with non-safety equipment, talk to the dealer or consider instead other vehicles that have what you want.
We also recommend that you check how the vehicle performs in a crash. ANCAP crash test information is a vital resource in selecting a safer vehicle. However, be aware that ANCAP looks only at how the vehicle is likely to fare in an accident. It doesn't take into account features that help you avoid a crash.
For more information about different safety systems check the car safety glossary below.
Car safety websites
- Australian New Car Assessment Program
- Used car safety ratings
- Australia's Best Car Awards
- How safe is your car?
- Kids and cars
Related fact sheets
Car safety glossary
Active safety features
Features such as good brakes, precise steering and handling that, in providing the driver with optimal control of a vehicle, can assist in avoiding a crash.
Active steering
Technology that varies the steering gear ratio depending on road speed and driving conditions. Also incorporates a "counter steering" function to dampen yaw effects that may destabilise the vehicle during high-speed lane change manoeuvres, and an electronically controlled steering actuator to assist the driver in obtaining the correct steering input for the speed and conditions.
Active head rests
Active headrests are designed to reduce whiplash injuries in rear end collisions. They do this by moving closer to the occupant's head during a collision thereby limiting the distance the head moves during the impact.
Adaptive airbags
See dual stage airbags.
Adaptive or active cruise control
A cruise control system that incorporates a radar sensor. ACC operates like a conventional cruise control system in that it maintains a set road speed. However, when it detects another vehicle ahead in the same lane, the system adopts a pre-determined safe following distance by matching the speed of the front vehicle. Unlike conventional cruise control systems, ACC can apply the vehicle's brakes to maintain the set road speed or following distance.
Airbags
A typical airbag system includes a large nylon bag, which is inflated and deflated rapidly in the event of a severe frontal collision. The driver's airbag is housed in the centre pad of the steering wheel, and the passenger's airbag [if fitted] in the upper left of the dash.
Several sensors are fitted into the car that can detect when a frontal crash occurs and the resulting vehicle deceleration exceeds certain limits. When the sensors all "agree" that the airbag should be deployed the system triggers an inflator and igniter unit. This burns chemicals in the igniter unit very rapidly and produces large volumes of inert gas, usually nitrogen, to inflate the bag. As the bag inflates, it splits open the covers on the wheel or the dash and unfolds, ballooning in front of the occupant. The time elapsed from impact to inflation is about 45 milliseconds.
At the same time the occupant's head and upper body is moving with significant force toward the inflated bag. As the occupant's head strikes the airbag, the bag starts deflating through vent holes in its base. This controlled deflation cushions the decelerating head's forward movement. Within 100 milliseconds the bag is completely deflated.
ANCAP
The Australian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) commenced in 1993 and is funded by Australian and New Zealand motoring organisations (including RACQ) and government transport authorities. The program involves the purchase and crash testing of popular new passenger cars, 4WDs and light commercial vehicles.
ANCAP tests are conducted under strictly controlled conditions and are independent of the certification tests performed by vehicle manufacturers. The results of ANCAP tests are published to provide consumers with information about how well vehicle models may protect their occupants in serious frontal and side impact crashes, and to give an objective comparison of the safety of different vehicles in the same class. Each model is subjected to one offset and one side impact test. The vehicle is also assessed for its Pedestrian Impact rating. Pole impact tests are optional.
ANCAP tests look at how well the vehicle fares in the crash as opposed to ADR tests, which merely determine if the vehicle meets the minimum standard.
ANCAP star rating system
Since 1999 ANCAP crash results are given as a star rating between 1 and 5. The more stars the better the vehicle has fared overall.
Anti intrusion bars
A strong steel beam fitted inside the doors of passenger cars, certain 4WDs and some later commercial vehicles to limit intrusion into the passenger compartment during a side impact.
Anti-lock brakes
Anti-lock Brake Systems (ABS) comprise a computer, wheel speed sensors and an ABS unit. The ABS unit incorporates a high pressure pump and an accumulator to store the high pressure fluid. This stored pressure is used to apply the brakes or adjust the hydraulic pressure applied to the brakes as necessary. Many systems are capable of applying or releasing the brake on individual wheels.
When the brakes are applied and the wheels approach the point of lock-up, the ABS computer senses that a wheel is about to lock and signals the ABS unit to reduce the amount of hydraulic pressure applied to the brake. In effect the ABS unit pulses the brake several times each second. The wheel will almost reach the point of lock-up, be released and the brake will then be applied again.
The primary function of ABS is to ensure that the vehicle stays controllable and steerable under heavy braking and on slippery road surfaces. Also known as ALB.
Anti submarining seat
A design used in vehicle seats to prevent occupants sliding forward and under seatbelts in an accident.
Australian Design Rules
Australian Design Rules set out the construction and safety standards new motor vehicles must meet. By law all new vehicles must comply with these requirements. This includes crash testing of new model passenger, light commercial and 4WD vehicles. For ADR certification purposes vehicles have to achieve a minimum standard.
Belt force limiter
Used to limit the force applied to the seat belt wearer in an accident. Such systems are intended to reduce the risk of seat belt induced injuries.
Brake assist
Brake assist is designed to assist the driver in an emergency situation by applying the maximum possible brake pressure. The system interprets hard, fast brake applications as an emergency situation and applies the maximum brake force to obtain the shortest possible braking distance.
Brake assist is beneficial where the driver cannot or does not apply sufficient pressure to the brake pedal to achieve maximum brake application. Brake assist operates through the ABS unit, which also prevents wheel lock up.
Break away pedals
A system designed to reduce the risk of lower limb injuries to drivers. The brake and clutch pedals break away during front end collisions to avoid impact with the driver's legs.
Childproof locks
A type of lock fitted to the rear doors of vehicles that can be set to prevent the rear doors being opened from inside the vehicle. As the name implies, they are intended to prevent children from opening doors from inside.
Crash avoidance
A vehicle's ability to avoid an accident. Crash avoidance is largely based on how well a vehicle handles and brakes. A vehicle that is predictable and stable when subjected to emergency manoeuvres has a greater chance of avoiding an obstacle without losing control. Features such as Electronic Stability Controls are proven to greatly assist in crash avoidance by complementing the vehicle's driving dynamics.
Crash worthiness
How well a vehicle protects its occupants in a collision. Crash worthiness encompasses the entire range of passive safety features such as seat belts, airbags and the integrity of the vehicle's body structure.
Cruise control
A system that allows a vehicle to maintain a set speed without input from the driver. Claimed benefits are reduced driver fatigue and improved compliance with speed limits.
Crumple zones
Areas of a motor vehicle body designed to progressively crumple and absorb the energy of an accident.
Disc wiping
A function of some Anti Lock Brake Systems that very lightly applies the brakes at regular intervals in order to remove any water from the disc that may affect braking performance.
Dual stage air bags
Dual stage or adaptive air bags are a smarter generation of air bags that can optimise the level of air bag deployment to suit the severity of the crash. The air bag is of variable volume and can be inflated in two stages: stage one for severe impacts and stages one and two for very severe impacts. The level of occupant protection is improved accordingly and the risk of secondary injury is reduced.
The term shouldn't be confused with dual air bags, which refers to the fitting of driver and passenger air bags.
Electronic brake force distribution
Electronic brake force distribution varies the front to rear brake bias. Traditionally a brake-proportioning valve did this mechanically. However, electronic control of the brake force distribution is now becoming more common.
Electronic stability controls
Vehicle stability systems very effectively assist in preventing loss of control by sensing the vehicle's attitude and altering engine power and selectively applying brakes to correct it when necessary. Current stability systems work hand-in-hand with the vehicle's ABS unit, which is used to apply the brakes as required. Various studies suggest that stability control systems can reduce some types of accident by 35% to 42%. Common alternative names are:
- electronic stability
- program vehicle stability control
- vehicle stability enhancement
- dynamic stability control
- active stability control
- vehicle dynamic control
- vehicle stability assist
Some manufacturers may also use other names.
Euro NCAP
The European New Car Assessment Program commenced in 1995. Since 1999 Australian NCAP has largely adopted Euro NCAP tests and scoring systems.
Full frontal barrier test
The full frontal test was originally devised as part of the US NCAP test series. It involved crashing the vehicle into a concrete barrier at 56km/h. It was used in ANCAP testing up until 1999, when Australia adopted the Euro NCAP off-set test in place of the full frontal test.
Gearshift release locks
A device that prevents the gearshift being moved out of park unless the brake pedal is first depressed. Prevents accidental engagement of gears, or unintentional disengagement of park.
Head restraints
Head restraints are effective in reducing whiplash injuries and are highly desirable in all seating positions. Head restraints are primarily a safety feature rather than a comfort device.
Height adjustable anchors
An adjustable upper anchor point for seat belts. Usually fitted to front seating positions but may also be fitted to rear seat belts. When properly used, height adjustable upper anchors optimise both wearer comfort and correct belt location across the wearer's body.
Knee air bags
Knee air bags are sometimes fitted to lower dash areas to reduce the risk of serious lower limb injury.
Lap only seat belts
Lap only seat belts are still sometimes used in the rear centre seating position. From an occupant safety point of view they are not desirable as they offer a very much-reduced level of protection. Many manufacturers now fit lap-sash seat belts to all seating positions.
NCAP
The New Car Assessment Program is conducted in the United States by the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration. It commenced in 1977. NCAP is credited with significantly improving the safety and crashworthiness of American vehicles.
Off-set tests
Off-set tests form part of the ANCAP crash test series. For off-set tests the crash forces are concentrated on the driver's side of the vehicle. The vehicle is driven into a barrier with a crushable aluminium face at 64km/h.
Passenger cell
The rigid cabin structure of a vehicle that is designed to remain intact to protect the occupants while the crumple zones absorb the impact of an accident.
Passive safety features
Safety features such as seat belts and air bags that protect the occupants in an accident.
Pole tests
Pole tests form part of the ANCAP crash test series. Pole tests are optional and are carried out only if a vehicle performs well in other tests and is fitted with head protecting side air bags. Pole tests are carried out at 29km/h and involve the vehicle being driven sideways, on a wheeled sled, into a pole that is aligned with the driver's head.
Pyrotechnic
A method commonly used to inflate airbags and operate seat belt pretensioners. Involves the rapid (almost explosive) burning of chemicals to release large quantities of inert gas.
Rain sensing wipers
An infrared sensing system that detects rain droplets on the windscreen and operates the wipers, at an appropriate speed, without driver input.
Reversing sensors and cameras
Systems used to detect objects or people behind a reversing vehicle. Reversing sensors usually give an audible warning that increases in tone or frequency as the vehicle approaches an object. Reversing cameras provide an image of the area behind the vehicle. Parktronic is a common term for parking sensors, which may be fitted to the front and rear of a vehicle. Some systems also include a visual warning.
Rip-stitch seat belts
See Belt force limiter.
Run flat tyres
Specially designed tyres that have reinforced sidewalls that will remain fixed to the rim even when air pressure is lost. Run flat tyres allow the vehicle to be driven for a designated distance when deflated and reduce the risk posed by rapid tyre deflation. Other claimed benefits include greater safety and convenience by removing the need to change a flat tyre at the roadside.
Seat belts
The primary role of the seat belt is to prevent occupants from contacting the interior surfaces of a vehicle in the event of an accident. Seat belts are designed to spread the force of an impact over a large area of the wearer and also to slow the sharp deceleration of the occupant in an accident. Seat belts are the primary and most effective passive safety device fitted to motor vehicles.
Seat belt pre-tensioners
Seat belt pre-tensioners are designed to draw the wearer tightly into the seat during the initial stages of an impact. They are typically fitted only to the front seats and are part of the Supplementary Restraint System. When an air bag triggering impact is detected the seat belt pre-tensioners are also triggered to pull the occupants tightly into the seats, reducing the distance the person travels before being restrained by the seat belt.
Seat belt reminders
A visual and/or audible warning device to alert vehicle occupants that a seat belt is not being used. Most systems only sense if the driver is wearing a seat belt however more sophisticated systems can also detect if passenger belts are in use.
Side and curtain air bags
Some cars now offer seat mounted side airbags and in a few models, side impact curtain airbags, which are usually mounted behind the hood lining in the roof side rails. Similar to frontal airbags, these devices are controlled by dedicated sensors that determine the severity of a side impact or rollover and deploy the devices when required.
They are intended to help protect occupants against the frequently serious or fatal head, neck and thorax injuries that may occur during side impacts and rollover. US studies estimate that head protecting side airbags can reduce the risk of death in a side impact by 45%.
Side impact tests
Side impact tests form part of the ANCAP crash test series. Side impact tests are carried out at 50km/h. The vehicle is stationary and is impacted by a 950 kilogram trolley with a crushable aluminium face.
Starter interlocks
A system that prevents the starter being operated unless the clutch is depressed. Also known as inhibitor switches in automatic vehicles, they prevent the engine being started when the transmission is in gear.
Speed sensitive power steering
A system that varies the amount of power steering assistance provided depending on the vehicle's speed. Provides greater assistance at low speeds and lessassistance and greater steering "feel" at high speed.
Supplementary restraint system
Equipment that supplements primary safety equipment such as seat belts. Includes devices such as air bags and seat belt pre-tensioners.
Telematics
An on-board communications system that provides a range of remote safety and security functions. Current systems include vehicle tracking, accident alert and operator assistance in emergency situations. This is emerging technology that is capable of providing a wide range of services.
Traction control
Traction control is a system that prevents drive wheels from spinning when too much power is applied. It is useful when driving on slippery surfaces and in cases where rapid acceleration is required. Traction control operates by reading wheel speed and reducing engine power when wheel slip is detected. Some systems also operate through the Anti-lock Braking System to apply the brake to a slipping wheel to aid with traction.
Tyre pressure monitoring systems
Tyre pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) use a dash display to warn of tyre under-inflation. Under-inflation is a leading cause of rapid and catastrophic tyre failure. TPMS have only recently begun to appear in Australia, however they are common in Europe and the US. Such is the importance placed on TPMS that by September 2007 all new US passenger vehicles are required to be fitted with the system.
Webbing clamps
Webbing clamps are designed to grab the seat belt in the initial stages of a crash to prevent excess belt being played out of the retractor mechanism. This prevents the occupant from moving too far before being restrained by the belt.
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