May 29, 2019

For parents with kids of any age, car safety is bound to be a top concern. And if you’re looking to buy a new car, this is probably going to be the first thing you consider. But the thing is that there are so many things to research, where do you even start?

If you’re wondering what safety and child-friendly features to look for in an affordable family car, read on for more info.

Whether you have a family or not, this is a crucial thing to research before looking into purchasing a car. There are various types of safety standards and ratings, of be sure to check in the right places as you look.

Cameras

Some examples of safety features to consider include external rear-view cameras, which can assist with parking and backing up. These are to be an accessory on all cars in 2018.

Collision Prevention

Most new cars have special features like front and rear automatic braking and brake assist. These use radar and ultrasonic sensors for crash avoidance. You’ll also want to look for antilock brakes and stability control features. Lane departure warning is another relatively new interesting feature that is useful if you are doing a lot of highway driving. Traction control and parking sensors can also be extremely useful for any stressed out parent.

Space

It’s not just about the amount of space a car has, it’s how it’s set up. More and more cars these days have a nice, spacious feel but aren’t as huge to drive around as the traditional minivan used to be. That being said, looking for specific spaces to store extra baby stuff is a must.

A lot of sedans these days offer extra trunk space for things like strolers, but in general families are best to look for wagons or SUVs to really get what they need for multi-child families.

Car Seats

This element of family car operation is traditionally confusing, so if you’re wondering how to handle it, you’re not alone. The good news is that all cars have LATCH anchors to fit car seats now. You should also take note of state laws which require, for instance, rear-facing seats for babies up to a certain weight. There are organizations that can help you to ensure that your car seat is installed properly, and they sometimes even hold neighborhood events that parents can freely attend to ask all of their safety questions.

If you’re looking for a family-friendly starter car that’s reliable and affordable, why not think about a Honda Fit in Los Angeles. Contact your local Los Angeles Honda Odyssey dealer for more information on financing and safety.