Small, Medium and Large Cars

Larger sized cars provide better protection in a crash than small cars, passenger vans and sports cars. In crashes with smaller cars, the people travelling in newer, larger cars tend to be better protected.

Broadly, car size groups are classified as:

• Light cars: generally less than 1,100kg and an engine capacity of 1.5 litres or less
• Small cars: generally 1,100-1,300kg
• Medium cars: generally 1,300-1,500kg
• Large cars: generally more than 1,500kg.

A minimum weight of around 1,300kg is recommended.

If you’re buying a smaller car, consider safety options such as airbags and models that have the best proven safety performance ratings. Remember, whichever rating system you use, ANCAP or UCSR, the more stars the better!

4WDs

When buying a 4WD be aware that it will handle differently to a passenger car. The higher seating position provides better vision for the driver, but the higher centre of gravity relative to the wheel base can affect car handling in certain circumstances.

4WDs are more likely to be involved in roll over crashes, which are a major cause of spinal injury. Typically these crashes involve a single car leaving the road on a straight section or curve and rolling over.

Look for anti-rolling design, electronic stability control (ESC), curtain airbags, side impact airbags, strong roof support pillars and other valuable crash prevention and injury reduction features in your 4WD.

Colour

White is the safest car colour when it comes to being visible and safe on the road, according to a Monash University Accident Research Centre (MUARC) study. The study demonstrated that white cars had the lowest crash risk in all types of light conditions, while black cars were more likely to be involved in a crash, particularly in daylight hours.