Safe Vehicles

Vehicle safety refers to:

• the level of safety a vehicle provides for occupants and other road users during a crash
• a vehicle's ability to avoid or minimise the effects of a crash through technology.

Advancements in technology, design and safety standards have significantly improved vehicle safety over time. These advancements assist drivers in avoiding collisions and protect occupants during a crash.

Buying a safe car

Make an informed decision when buying a car. The age of a vehicle is generally a good indicator of the level of protection it will provide to occupants and other road users in the event of a crash. Newer cars typically have better safety features. These features can significantly improve your chance of surviving if you have a crash. Buy the safest car you can afford.

The level of safety a vehicle provides is commonly reflected through a star rating system. The system is provided by an assessment program, such as

• the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP)
• the Used Car Safety Ratings.

The safety of vehicles varies considerably, so it is important to check the safety rating before you buy. Whether you are buying a new or used car, vehicle safety information will help you choose the safest vehicle for your budget. While front airbags are standard in nearly every new car today, it is important to look out for other safety features in vehicles. Some of these include:

• autonomous emergency braking (AEB)
• lane departure warning
• electronic stability control (ESC)
• side airbags
• reversing camera.

Australasian New Car Assessment Program

ANCAP provides independent advice and information on:

• how well vehicles protect occupants in serious front and side crashes
• the likelihood of serious injury or death.

ANCAP compares vehicles for:

• adult occupant protection
• child occupant protection
• vulnerable road user protection
• safety assist.

A 5-star vehicle with a rating within the last 6 years old generally has a high and balanced level of safety performance.

Used Car Safety Rating

Safety should be the number one consideration when purchasing a vehicle. However, if cost is a barrier to purchasing a new vehicle with the latest safety technology, there are other good options.

The Used Car Safety Rating can help you find the safest second-hand vehicle you can afford. The rating shows how particular used vehicles can protect occupants in a crash, compared to other vehicles. This can help you compare the safety performance of older vehicles and assist you to choose a vehicle with a superior level of safety.

Vehicles marked ‘Safer Pick’ are the highest performing vehicle models and indicate safer choices. These vehicles feature driver assist technologies shown to reduce the likelihood of being involved in a crash.

Download the Used Car Safety Rating brochure.

Vehicle safety features

If you are thinking of changing your vehicle, consider purchasing the newest, safest and most suitable vehicle you can afford. Vehicle technology is developing rapidly, so newer vehicles are generally safer than older models. Advanced safety technologies are now commonly available in new vehicles. However, not all new cars have a five-star rating, so do your homework.

Choosing a safer car can make a big difference on the road. Research shows that if we all drove the safest car in its class, the number of serious injuries and lives lost would reduce dramatically.

Vehicle safety features have advanced significantly over the last ten years. Improvements provide drivers and passengers the best chance of avoiding and surviving a crash. These include car structure, restraints and active safety assist technologies.

Most modern vehicles protect occupants and other road users through a combination of passive and active safety systems.

• Passive safety systems are designed to protect the occupants of a vehicle in the event of a crash, like seatbelts.
• Active safety systems include collision avoidance technologies designed to minimise the impact of a crash or avoid it altogether.

Visit My Licence for information on buying a safer vehicle.

High-powered vehicles

Restrictions apply to a provisional licence holder under the age of 25.

Visit My Licence to find the definition of high-powered vehicles.

Ultra high-powered vehicles

An ultra high-powered vehicle is a vehicle with a Gross Vehicle Mass not greater than 4.5 tonnes. It has a power to weight ratio equal to or greater than 276 kilowatts per tonne. An ultra high-powered vehicle does not include a bus, motorcycle or motor trike.

Visit My Licence to find more information on obtaining an ultra high-powered vehicle (U) licence.

Electric vehicles

As more electric vehicles (also known as 'EVs') appear on our roads, drivers and pedestrians should understand their unique safety features.

Visit the Department for Energy and Mining's website for more information about electric vehicles.

Buying a safe caravan or camper trailer

The caravan and camping industry is the fastest growing domestic tourism sector in Australia. It offers consumers a diverse range of caravans and camper trailers to choose from.

Towing with an underpowered, or under braked vehicle is not just tiring and inconvenient, it's unsafe. Check what you can tow with your vehicle before you start to shop for a new caravan or trailer.

Get resources and training to help you stay safe when travelling with your caravan, including towing tips, by visiting Caravan and Camping SA.

Visit My Licence for information on towing and buying a safe caravan or camper trailer.

Securing a load

Loads must be secure because loose loads can be dangerous to you and other drivers.

Visit My Licence for information on towing and loads.

Airbag recall

In 2018, the Australian Government issued a compulsory recall for all vehicles with defective Takata airbags. These airbags could cause serious injury or even death.

To see if your vehicle is affected and what to do, visit the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries website.