Buying a safe car

Vehicle safety features have evolved

Let’s re-write the ending

Vehicle safety features and the technologies that can help you avoid a crash are not future technologies, they’re today’s technologies.

Modern vehicles on our roads today are equipped with a range of active safety features, fitted to assist the driver in an emergency whether they are fatigued, unwell, lose concentration or simply make a mistake.

While not designed to replace the driver, technologies such as autonomous emergency braking (AEB) and active lane support systems (LSS) are fitted to a wide range of vehicle makes and models – large, small, luxury, budget-friendly – and can drastically reduce your chances of being seriously injured or worse, killed, on the road.

When we see, hear or read about crashes on our roads, we are quick to judge or shake our heads in disbelief – but we’re all human and we all make mistakes.

Sadly, the result of road crashes are too often negative. With today’s technologies, we can turn that around and re-write the ending.

How safe is your vehicle? Visit ANCAP and check the safety rating before you buy.

The Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) provides independent and transparent advice and information on the level of occupant protection provided by vehicles in serious front and side crashes.

Vehicles are awarded star ratings indicating the level of safety they provided in the event of a crash. The higher the ANCAP star rating, the better the vehicles performed in safety tests.

ANCAP recommends that you only buy 5 star rated vehicles.

With 5 star rated cars available in all categories and price points, it’s not difficult to find a safe car.

The first vehicle to achieve a 5 star ANCAP safety rating was in 2001.

Since then, particularly since 2008, there has been a dramatic increase in the number of cars which have achieved a 5 star rating.

This means that there are now many near-new vehicles that have been awarded the maximum ANCAP safety rating for you to choose from.

Visit the ANCAP website for more information on vehicle safety ratings.

Check the safety rating before you buy a used car

The Used Car Safety Ratings (UCSR) compare used vehicles and provide a crash safety rating. They show how well a used vehicle protects its driver and other road users from death or serious injury in a crash. The UCSR also consider a vehicle’s likelihood of being involved in a crash, based on available crash avoidance technology.

Your choice of car can make all the difference.

Vehicles manufactured in 2023 offer significant safety improvements compared to those from 2001.

The overall risk of death or serious injury for all road users involved in a crash with a 2023 vehicle is 43% lower than with a 2001 vehicle, reflecting advancements in crash compatibility and external safety features.

For the driver of the vehicle itself, the risk of being killed or seriously injured is 31% lower, highlighting improved occupant protection.

These figures demonstrate that modern vehicles not only better protect their occupants but also reduce harm to other road users.

When buying a vehicle, factors like price, colour, seating capacity and make are important. However, safety should be on the top of your list.

How UCSR are developed and rated

Used Car Safety Ratings are developed by the Monash University Accident Research Centre (MUARC). They analyse records from more than nine million vehicles in police-reported road crashes across Australia and New Zealand. Each rating is calculated based on the most recent crash data available.

For the 2025 Used Car Safety Ratings, MUARC analysed 561 vehicle models. They allocated 112 models with a 5-star rating, and awarded 72 of them as ‘Safer Picks’.

A “Safer Pick” designation in the 2025 Used Car Safety Ratings means the vehicle meets the highest safety standards across three areas:

• Outstanding Driver Protection - Provides strong protection for the driver in a crash.
• High Protection for Other Road Users - Designed to minimize harm to other drivers, pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists.
• Advanced Crash Avoidance Technologies - Equipped with key safety features such as:
  • Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
  • Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB)
  • Lane Keep Assist
  • Reversing sensors or cameras

These vehicles combine top crashworthiness with technologies that help prevent crashes, making them the safest choice among used cars.

Download the Used Car Safety Ratings (PDF, 3.1 MB) (PDF, 5.1 MB).

Vulnerable drivers

There are significant differences in the safety of used vehicles. If you are looking to buy a used vehicle listed in the ‘Poor’ or ‘Very poor’ categories (i.e. 1 or 2 stars) you should reconsider. Instead, consider vehicles with an ‘Excellent’ rating (5 stars) or ’Safer Pick’ rating.

Young drivers have a higher-than-average crash risk. It is particularly important that they look at buying one of the best-rated vehicles and, if possible, one of the ‘Safer Picks’.

Statistics also show older people involved in crashes are likely to suffer more serious injuries and take longer to recover. Consider one with the highest driver safety rating within your budget if you are:

• approaching or over 70 years old
• thinking of changing your car.

Safety should not be compromised by price. More than half of the ’Safer Pick’ vehicles are available in the second-hand market for $10,000 or less. This makes safer vehicles affordable in all price ranges.

General tips when buying a used vehicle

• Have the vehicle checked by a qualified independent mechanic.
• Understand your rights and the dealer’s obligations.

Verify that the service booklet is in the vehicle. Review its service history to make sure it has undergone regular and recent servicing.

Also confirm the vehicle handbook is present. It explains controls, maintenance checks, warning lights and service intervals.

Check if a vehicle has been written-off by searching the Personal Property Securities Register (PPSR).

Visit Consumer and Business Services for tips on buying a used car.

Young drivers have a much greater risk of being involved in a crash than more experienced drivers. This is especially true in the first 12 months of solo driving. So, if you are looking to buy your very first car, safety needs to be high on your list of priorities.

Buying your first car

You've been working hard to save money for your first car. But with so many cars on the market, how can you be sure you are getting the best car for your budget?

The My first car safety checklist (PDF, 162.3 KB) has a comprehensive list of safety features. The checklist helps you evaluate the safety of the car you are considering to buy. When choosing a car, try to buy the safest car that is in your budget.

Why safety should be a high priority

As vehicle safety technology develops significantly over time, newer vehicles tend to be safer than older ones. Many safety systems that were once ‘optional extras’ are now standard on many makes, models and variants. New technologies will continue to be mandated on new vehicles.

Research shows that when an Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) is fitted in a vehicle and used correctly, it can reduce road crash risk by 24%. The smart system uses sensors, cameras and other components to:

• warn the driver of danger
• automatically take control to prevent accidents.

If your budget will only extend to a used car that doesn't have an ANCAP safety rating, check out the Used Car Safety Ratings.

Budgeting for your car

Owning a car isn't just about finding and buying a good deal. Don't forget that cars have ongoing costs. Make sure you budget for fuel, maintenance, repairs, registration and insurance.

All vehicles must be registered. In South Australia, this means paying for registration, which includes a Compulsory Third Party (CTP) Insurance. The CTP Insurance Regulator has more information on CTP Insurance.

You can also insure the vehicle with a private insurer for Third Party Property Insurance or Comprehensive Insurance. Insurance premiums can vary, so shop around.

Financing your car

If you are thinking of taking out a loan to buy your car, it is easy to get carried away and spend more than you need to. Keep in mind that interest can add a lot to the total cost of a car. Loans can be financial burden, so be sure of your financial situation and living expenses before taking out a loan.

Consumer guarantees

When buying a car from a licensed vehicle dealer, you are protected by:

• consumer guarantees, which means the new or used car must be of acceptable quality, match the description provided, and be fit for purpose
• statutory warranties for second-hand cars, which means the dealer has a duty to repair defects under warranty.

If something goes wrong and the car doesn't meet these guarantees or warranties, you may be entitled to a repair, replacement or refund. This can depend on the issue.

Visit SA.GOV.AU to learn more about consumer guarantees and warranties.

Visit Consumer and Business services to learn more about:

• buying a used car
• selling cars in South Australia, including statutory warranties.

If you are under 25 years old

Driving restrictions may apply if you are under the age of 25, such as high powered vehicle restrictions for P-platers. Check the laws and conditions that apply to your licence.

Since the invention of the first motor vehicle, better designs and new technologies have influenced the safety, comfort and efficiency of personal travel. Hundreds of innovations have significantly changed the safety of driving. These include everything from car horns (1908) and rearview mirrors (1911) to windscreen washers (1933) and seat belts (1967).

About ANCAP results

ANCAP results can be used to compare how well road users are protected in the most common crash types. Vehicles of different sizes and weights are tested. However, the results only compare vehicles of similar size and mass.

From 2020, ANCAP’s crash tests include a frontal crash with a moving trolley, called the MPDB test. This better represents the risk to smaller and larger vehicles. It also allows ANCAP to assess the risk the vehicle poses to other vehicles when struck. This is known as 'vehicle compatibility'.

See ANCAP's safety ratings for nearly 1,000 vehicle models and which car is safest for you on ANCAP's website.

Safety features to look for

Look for crash avoidance technology and safety features that help protect vehicle occupants in the event of a crash.

Airbags

Most new cars now have front and side driver and passenger airbags as standard. However, these alone are not an adequate safety measure in a serious crash. There are many 2- and 3-star rated vehicles on the road that have airbags, but lack the other features listed here.

Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB)

AEB is a new safety feature which can either:

• help avoid crashes altogether
• slow the vehicle (at the very least) and lower the risk and severity of a crash.

The technology uses a mixture of radar and/or video cameras to:

• monitor the view ahead of the car
• alert the driver of impending dangers.

If the driver doesn't respond to the alerts, the car applies its brakes independently. Look for AEB when buying your next car.

Crumple zones

Cars are built with crumple zones to protect occupants. Crumple zones absorb the energy generated on impact during a crash. Specially designed crumple zones give way, while maintaining the structural integrity of the cabin. This protects the driver and passengers.

Daytime running lights

Daytime running lights help others to see your car more easily. It also enables you to detect risks and identify hazards on the road.

It is difficult to draw firm conclusions on the link between vehicle safety and vehicle colour. However, studies indicate that lighter-coloured vehicles are involved in slightly less road crashes than darker vehicles. Lighter-colour vehicles provide better visibility to other road users.

Electronic Stability Control (ESC)

For a car to be awarded a 5-star safety rating, it must have Electronic Stability Control (ESC). Different manufacturers have different names for ESC. For example, Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) and Electronic Stabilisation Program (ESP).

ESC is a computer-based system that helps drivers maintain control of their vehicles, especially in adverse conditions such as wet weather. It continuously monitors a vehicle's speed, steering wheel angle, direction of travel and cornering acceleration. It will automatically apply individual brakes if there is a risk of skidding or overturning.

Headrests

These should be fitted to all seats in the car to prevent serious whiplash in a crash.

Whiplash is a leading cause of injury in minor crashes. It can cause significant spinal, neck and head injury in more serious cases.

Lane Support Systems (LSS)

Lane Support Systems (LSS) use cameras to:

• read the lines of the road
• alert the driver if the car is approaching the line.

Some systems will automatically steer the car away from the approached lines to safely maintain the correct course within the lines.

Pedestrian impact

As drivers of cars, we need to remember that vulnerable road users are just as important. For example, pedestrians and cyclists.

There are many safety features and new technologies that help cars become safer for pedestrian impact. These include safe bonnet and bumper bar structures. These are shown in separate pedestrian safety ratings from ANCAP and UCSR.

Also consider features such as:

• brake assistance
• reversing sensors and cameras
• parking sensors
• active bonnets
• collapsible bonnet mounts to provide a crumple zone if a pedestrian hits the bonnet
• different construction materials (such as aluminium rather than steel) to provide a softer, less severe impact.

Reinforced occupant compartment

The cabin of the car is designed like a cell. This makes it difficult for the engine to breach the compartment in a front-on crash. This also ensures that the steering column, dashboard, roof pillars and floor panels are not excessively pushed inwards onto the driver and front-seat passenger. Ideally, all doors can still be opened and closed after a serious crash.

Side impact protection

To protect passengers in side impact crashes, you should get cars that are fitted with side and curtain airbags for all seating positions.

Curtain airbags usually drop from the top of the side window. This creates a cushion between the occupant and the side of the car to protect the head and shoulders. Side airbags often activate from the seat or door panel to protect the torso. Centre console airbags are also becoming more common.

Seat belts

The oldest and still the most effective vehicle safety feature is the seat belt.

Increasingly, car manufacturers are installing three-point lap-sash seatbelts in the middle of the back seat. Single lap belts are not as effective in a serious crash.

Check that the car has a seat belt warning chime to alert the driver when seat belts have not been fastened.

Understanding a car's modern safety features

Many new cars now include Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). For example, lane keep assist, autonomous emergency braking and adaptive cruise control. But many drivers don’t know how to use them safely.

Austroads has a website and app to help drivers:

• understand and use ADAS technologies correctly
• get the most from in-car safety features.

The ADAS Assist hub offers videos, easy-to-read fact sheets and plain-language guides. Explore the tools at adasassist.com.au.

Myth: You can take more risks if you have a vehicle with safety features. They will save you in a crash.

Fact: Safety features help to prevent or reduce the severity of a crash, but they don't make you indestructible. Safety features won't necessarily save you from death or serious injury. This is especially true at higher speeds or if you are not wearing your seat belt.

Always stay focused and follow speed limits – no matter what safety systems your vehicle has. The driver is always responsible for controlling the vehicle.