7 Important Safety Features New Drivers Should Have in Their Vehicles

New drivers often buy old, used cars when they're first starting to drive. This may be practical, but not really safe in the long run. Old vehicles often lack safety features that are more common in most modern vehicles today. And they can be a tremendous help for anyone who's just starting to drive.

This might be the first time you're driving your own car, or perhaps you've just received your newly-minted driver's license from the LTO. Whenever possible, buy the more current vehicles available in the market today. Also, make sure that the automobile you're choosing has most--if not all--of these basic safety features:

Accident Prevention Features

Anti-lock brakes

Anti-lock brakes are very important, especially when you're driving on wet roads. They help prevent your brakes from locking up, so you can still steer your vehicle and do a complete, sudden stop even if your tires are skidding on the road.

Most modern cars are already equipped with anti-lock brakes, so this won't be a problem for you.

Vehicles with Anti-Lock Brakes: Most modern vehicles are equipped with Anti-Lock Brakes

Electronic Stability Control

This feature is a must-have for anyone who's just starting to drive. Electronic Stability Control helps keep your car stable, even during those times when you make a mistake--like taking a turn too fast, or suddenly swerving to avoid another vehicle in front of you. This feature automatically uses the brake system to correct your car if it's moving off its path.

Vehicles with Electronic Stability Control: Most modern vehicles are equipped with Electronic Stability Control.

Forward Collision Warning

One of the most common accidents that new drivers commit is colliding with a vehicle. Forward Collision Warning helps prevent this by using sensors placed on you car's front to scan if the space between you and the vehicle in front of you is getting too small. Once it senses you're getting dangerously close to it, it emits a visual or audible alert to let you know it's time to brake.

Vehicles with Forward Collision Warning: Nissan Altima, Honda Accord--among many others.

Automatic Emergency Braking

This feature works in tandem with the Forward Collision Warning system. It works by automatically applying the brakes in case you didn't hear (or see) the Forward Collision Warning system. Four years from now, most new vehicles will come with this helpful feature.

Vehicles with Automatic Emergency Braking: Honda Civic, Subaru Impreza

Rearview Camera

Doing a reverse can be a bit challenging, particularly for those who are still new to driving. Rearview cameras help lessen this difficulty by allowing you to see if the path is really clear before you back your car up.

Vehicles with Rearview Cameras: Mazda 3, Toyota Camry--among many others

Injury Protection Features

Airbags

These lifesavers are a must for anyone who's new to driving. Airbags blow up in case a collision occurs. And while they have been a common feature in cars for a decade or so, the more modern airbags are softer, pressure-adjustable, and placed strategically not just in front but also on the side, knees, windows, head and many others.

Vehicles with Airbags: Almost all cars have airbags. The more airbags you have, the better.

Seatbelts

Another important lifesaver that’s already common to all vehicles, seatbelts help prevent you from getting thrown out of your seat in case of a crash.

Vehicles with Seatbelts: Almost all cars have seatbelts. Whenever possible, choose those that allow you to effectively position yourself on your seat in case the airbag gets deployed.