Buying a car is one of the most important purchases we make. You'll be driving in it alone and with your friends and family, so it's important that you make safety a priority. With all the options, choosing the right car can be difficult. So where do you start?

Whether you plan to buy a new or used car, find out about the car's safety features and star rating and compare it to other cars in the same class. Where possible, go for at least a four star safety rating. A car can be stylish as well as safe, and it doesn't have to be a luxury model. A new car is not necessarily a safer car. Many affordable used cars rate well in terms of safety. 

If you're thinking about getting a high powered car and/or undertaking car modifications, you need to carefully consider your options. As a young driver, you don't want to increase the level of danger associated with driving and there are restrictions as to what is legal.

Hints for Safer Driving

Becoming a P plater is a time of independence and freedom. Finally, you and your mates are able to get around without waiting for mum, dad or the train.

But there is also a serious side. In the first year or so after getting your licence you are more at risk of being involved in a crash than almost any other driver on the road. Your risk is further increased if you are driving around with your mates.

You can help reduce your risk of being in a crash by:

Not using a mobile phone (hands free, hand held or texting) 

• It is illegal to use a hand-held mobile phone any time you are driving.
• Even using a hands-free mobile can affect your ability to concentrate fully on the road.
• Using a mobile phone while driving increases your risk of crashing by 4 times regardless of whether the phone is a hands-free or hand-held device.

Not drinking and driving 

• While on your Ps it's illegal to have any alcohol in your system. 
• A blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.05 doubles your chances of crashing
• At a BAC of 0.08 you are 5 times more likely to have a crash
• At a BAC 0.15 you are around 25 times more likely to have a crash
• If you are planning a night out that involves drinking, leave the car at home. Arrange for someone to be the designated driver, ask your parents to pick you up or share a cab home with friends.

Wearing your seat belt

• Almost 25% of drivers killed on our roads were not wearing a seat belt at the time of their crash.
• In the event of a crash, seat belts are designed to keep you inside the car and reduce the risk of you hitting the steering wheel, dashboard, or windscreen.
• Wear a seat belt at all times, no matter how short the distance or how remote the location.

Not driving tired

• If you're studying, working and/or socialising you may often be tempted to drive tired or when you'd normally be sleeping just to fit everything in.
• Fatigue is one of the major contributors to fatal crashes in Victoria.
• Make sure you get a good nights sleep before you drive
• Take a 15 minute powernap whenever you feel drowsy or sleepy
• Avoid driving during normal sleeping hours.
• If you are tired and need to get somewhere, try to arrange a lift, use a cab or even catch public transport.

Driving a safe car

• Protect yourself and your mates by choosing a safe car that stacks up well in crash-tests.
• Not all cars are created equal in terms of safety
• Cars within a similar price range may differ in the level of protection they offer occupants in a crash.

If you're in the market for a car, look at a range of cars that suit your budget, travel needs and style and then pick the one that's the safest. Our checklist can help.

A safe car could save you or your mate's life in a crash.