A safe car could save your life. Victoria’s roads are amongst the safest in the world, but every year more than 300 people are killed and 6,500 are seriously injured in crashes. We all pay a high price for these crashes – grief, suffering and an economic cost of $3 billion each year. Many deaths and injuries could have been less serious or prevented by safer cars.

Road crashes are the most common cause of work-related deaths in Australia. For commercial fleet managers, buying safe vehicles is invaluable.

Why buy a safe car?

• The safest cars give up to five times more protection in crashes than cars that only meet minimum standards
• If all car owners purchased the safest car in their class (eg. small, medium, large) the road toll could be reduced by up to 50 per cent (European Transport Safety Council).
• Advanced safety features and a high crash protection rating can be the difference between life and death in a crash. Important safety features include side-curtain airbags and electronic stability control. Knowing about the latest safety technology and crash-test ratings will help you compare features so that you get the best safety and value for your dollar.

You’ve decided to buy a safe car. What next?
Cost, safety features, make and model, fuel economy….there’s a lot to think about. The information on these pages can help you make a good, safe choice:

Choosing a car that meets your needs – identify the kind of car that’s right for your lifestyle and budget
Safety features – decide which safety features are important to you
Safety ratings – compare the cars you’re interested in to see which is rated higher for safety
Taking a test drive – what to look for when taking a test drive
Roadworthiness – when buying a used car, make sure it comes with a certificate of roadworthiness
Warranties and transfers – essential points that could affect you after buying a car.