1995 NEW CAR SAFETY FEATURES

1995 NEW CAR SAFETY FEATURES

Manufacturers provide buyers the most complete information about standard or optional
safety equipment on their vehicles. Listed below are features that are especially
important.

Air Bags. Air Bags instantly inflate in frontal crashes at speeds as low as 15 mph.
They are designed to prevent occupants from hitting the dashboard, steering wheel or
windshield. Driver and front passenger air bags will be standard equipment in all model
year 1998 cars and all model year 1999 light trucks, vans and sport utility vehicles.
Many vehicles are already equipped with this important feature.

Front air bags do not eliminate the need for safety belts and they offer no
protection in rollovers, rear or side impacts. Safety belts help keep you in place should
a collision occur.

Caution: Never use a rear-facing child safety seat in a front seat equipped with a
passenger-side air bag. As the air bag opens, it may exert too much force on the safety
seat and injure the child.

Anti-lock Brakes. Anti-lock brake systems prevent a vehicle's wheels from locking up
during "panic" braking by automatically pumping brakes several times per second. This
allows the driver to retain steering control as the vehicle slows - a key factor in
avoiding a collision.


Even with ABS, hydroplaning and skidding can be caused by excessive speed or extreme
steering maneuvers. Be sure to read your owner's manual for more information about ABS.

Safety Belt Systems. Safety belt systems are your best protection in a crash. They
prevent you from colliding with the dash or windshield and hold you inside the vehicle.

Whether manual or automatic, safety belts are most effective if adjusted properly.
All safety belts should be pulled tightly across the pelvis. Some systems also offer
adjustable anchors that change the height of the shoulder strap to improve belt fit.
Check the manufacturer's instructions to properly adjust safety belts in your car.

Side-Impact Protection. Side-impact crashes are the second leading cause of death
and injury to passenger car occupants. At least 25 percent of 1995 passenger cars must be
equipped to protect the front and rear occupants during a simulated 30 mph side-impact
crash. The government requires all 1997 passenger cars have this protection. Many new
models provide this protection ahead of the required schedule.

Manufacturers can choose from a number of features to fulfill this requirement -
including extra structure, energy-absorbing foam, door panel or seat-mounted air bags - as
long as the vehicle passes occupant protection requirements.



Contact NHTSA at (800) 424-9393 for specific information on vehicle theft ratings.