4 Most Essential Auto Features for Child Safety

Car safety features are of the essence when making a buying decision. Do not fool yourself into thinking that only new car buyers have the luxury of opting for secure vehicles. Find the four most essential auto features for safety also on the used car lot.

1. Emergency trunk release

One of the best car features to look for is the emergency trunk release. Auto World announced a while back that Ford decided to pioneer in the field of car safety features and include them to be standard. There are retrofit kits available; negotiate with the car dealer to only show you cars that have the emergency release handle -- or throw in a kit for free as part of the purchase.

2. Shift interlock

One of the most essential auto features -- and also frequently taken for granted -- is the shift interlock. Until the Cameron Gulbransen Kids Transportation Safety Act was signed by President George W. Bush, the brake transmission shift interlock was largely a voluntary feature by manufacturers -- even though it had been around for a good long time.

Now mandated, there are still some cars on the road that lack this function. It prevents a car from being put in gear without the brake pedal simultaneously being pressed. If you notice -- while test driving a used car -- that shifting is a snap with or without the brake pedal pushed down, pass on the car.

3. Automatic power window reversal

Moms driving around the kids already know that locking the rear power windows is a must for safe driving enjoyment. Of course, when adult passengers demand open windows, mom might disengage the window lock. Forget to re-engage it, and children are at risk of opening the windows, letting arms hang out or getting fingers pinched when closing the power windows.

The aforementioned piece of legislation also instructed car makers to include an automatic window reversal if there is resistance to its closing. Needless to say, only few cars made before 2010 actually have this most essential of auto features. If you have the option of buying a later model used car, it may be very advantageous to do so.

4. Blind spot reducers

Car safety features that fall into this category include the oversized rearview mirror, the backup camera and also Volvo's blind spot information system. Car and Driver shows that the latter is only available in select new Volvo models, but if there is a chance to make this investment, go for it. In the absence of an inexpensive used 2010 model Volvo, opt for the other car features that help to take the guesswork out of lane changing and backing up.