Cars that Will Keep Your Family Safe

Cars are put through a multitude of crash tests to determine how they will stand up to various crash scenarios. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gives cars that do the best in tests a five-star rating, and those that didn't fare the impact tests well lower ratings. Then other factors are taken into consideration other than child safety such as fuel efficiency. Picking through all the information can be overwhelming, but when family safety is at question, it is a good idea to do as much research as possible before making any decisions, and setting foot on the car lot.

It is important to make sure your child is properly secured in whatever car you select to ensure total safety. Use car seats in a rear facing position with children from infancy up to 40 pounds. Booster seats can be used when children grow out of their convertible seats and until adult seat belts fit properly. This is usually around the time children are in between 8 and 12 years of age. Children should not be allowed to sit in the front seat until they are at least 12 years of age.

The 2009 Honda Civic is considered a fuel-efficient and child-safe vehicle. Kelly Blue Book finds the Civic gets an average of 29 miles per gallon, and also sets the standard for safety in the arena of compact sedans and coupes. The Honda has child seat lower anchors and child safety door locks. Along with being family friendly and fuel efficient, the Honda Civic is economical.

According to Forbes, one of the safest cars on the market is the 2009 Volvo XC90. The Volvo is an all-wheel-drive SUV that gets an average of 16 miles per gallon. Although the fuel efficiency is low, it is ranked highly with child safety, with a total of 5 stars for passenger safety. Volvo has been dedicated to child safety for over 80 years, having created the first three point safety belt in 1959. Volvo cars are equipped with Side Impact Protection System (SIPS) and a Whiplash Protection System (WHIPS) all created with child safety in mind.

The Subaru Forester is another vehicle making the Forbes list of the Fifteen Safest 2009 Cars. It also obtained a 5-star rating for safety. The Forester is equipped with seat sensors alerting the driver if they are positioned too close to air bags. The front seat and side impact airbags are also positioned for thorax-area protection. The Subaru Forester is also equipped with rear seat safety seat anchors and rear child safety door locks. The Forester is also an economical choice.

For those looking for child safety along with eco-friendly options, the 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid is a good choice. It has a powerful and efficient gas-electric power base and gets 34 miles per gallon. With six airbags, anti-lock brakes, AdvanceTrac traction control with Roll Stability Control, child safety is provided. The Escape Hybrid also has a Reverse Sensing System alerting drivers of items behind the car they may not see. Children are often hit because of blind spots in cars. Ford Escapes are a bit more in price, but are eco-friendly and child safe.

If price isn't an issue, forbes.com finds the 2009 Audi Q7 to be one of the safest cars available. With 5 stars and the Highway Safety's highest rating of triple good for front, side and rear impact testing. The driver and passenger head restraints offer whiplash protection, along with front side airbags for chest and pelvic protection. The instrument panel has energy absorbent padding to protect feet and legs. The Audi comes standard with rear safety child locks and child seat anchors. It also is fitted with front and rear head airbags, which protect passengers during rollovers.