What Makes a Car Safe to Drive? Understanding Features, Tradeoffs, and Everyday Habits

At Flack Injury Law, we’re all about helping you stay safe on the road. Whether you're navigating traffic in Atlanta or considering a new vehicle, understanding what makes a car "safe" can reduce your risk of serious injury—and help protect those around you.

The Most Important Car Safety Features Today

If you’re still driving an older vehicle, you may be missing out on key safety technology that’s now common in newer models. Here are some of the most effective features that reduce the likelihood and severity of crashes:

• Automatic emergency braking – Helps avoid or minimize frontal collisions

• Rearview cameras & heads-up displays – Improve visibility and situational awareness

• Lane-keeping assistance & blind-spot monitoring – Help prevent side-swipe and off-road incidents

• Driver attention and phone distraction alerts – Warn drivers when focus slips or devices become a distraction

These features don’t just protect you—they make the roads safer for everyone, including passengers, pedestrians, and cyclists. If you're in the market for a new car, consider prioritizing these safety enhancements.

Larger vehicles like SUVs offer more protection in crashes—but come with increased blind spots and greater risk to pedestrians.

Are Bigger Cars Actually Safer?

The short answer: sometimes.

Larger vehicles—like SUVs and trucks—generally perform better in multi-vehicle collisions. Their increased weight and extended front ends offer more protection to the driver and passengers inside.

But there’s an important caveat.

• Heavier vehicles have more blind spots

• They take longer to stop

• They pose greater risks to others on the road

In fact, research shows that for every 4-inch increase in front-end height, the risk of pedestrian fatality increases by 22%. So while a larger car might offer more protection to you, it can significantly raise the risk to people outside the vehicle—especially pedestrians and cyclists.

The #1 Safety Tip: Drive Slower

You don’t need the latest tech to improve safety behind the wheel. One of the most effective things you can do is simply slow down.

Here’s why:

• A 1 mph reduction in speed on city streets leads to a 6% decrease in traffic fatalities

• Slower speeds mean more time to react to the unexpected

• When crashes do occur, injuries are typically less severe

It’s a small change that can save lives.

Final Thoughts

A safe vehicle is one that’s equipped with the right features—and driven with care. You don’t need the biggest or most expensive model. What matters most is awareness, smart driving habits, and making use of the latest safety technology when possible.

If you or someone you care about has been injured in a car accident, Flack Injury Law is here to help. We fight for injured clients to ensure they get the care and compensation they deserve.

Call or text me at (678) 653-0309

Email: flack@flackinjurylaw.com

Stay safe out there,

Jonathan Flack