When people think about small cars, words that come to mind may include fuel efficiency and stylish. One connection that I make that most people probably do not see immediately is between small cars and safety. Generally it is assumed that the larger a vehicle, the safer it is. However, this is not necessarily true. While smaller cars are at a disadvantage when it comes to size and weight, many modern safety features make small vehicles excellent picks when factoring in safety.[caption id="attachment_2022" align="alignleft" width="300"]

Toyota Yaris with full paint protection kit, carbon fiber film down the center, graphic stripe and window tint designed by Auto SuperShield.[/caption]One safety feature that is considered standard today is a variety of airbags. Many small cars come equipped with airbags that protect the head, chest, and even legs of the driver and passenger. High-end vehicles may also come with adjustable headrests that are specially designed to minimize the impact of an accident on the head and neck, leading to fewer major injuries.A crucial component of vehicle safety is collision prevention. Some smaller cars come with stellar collision prevention components, including anti-lock brakes that greatly minimize the risk of sliding on slick roads. Other examples of collision prevention elements are electronic stability control, all-wheel-drive, and warning systems that recognize vehicles that are located in a car’s blind spots. Safety features such as these help make some small vehicles wise car purchases.The most significant factor in automobile accidents is the driver’s control of the vehicle. Negligence on the part of the driver, external conditions like the weather and time of day, and the type of car are all variables that influence the outcome of a dangerous driving situation. When facing a potential accident scenario, all drivers know that they have a tremendous advantage if operating a vehicle that is nimble and responsive. Small cars are extremely maneuverable; that maneuverability can make the difference in a near-collision situation.Drivers of small cars are at an advantage because their blind spots are much smaller than the blind spots on larger vehicles. Because of this, and the fact that it is easier to see out of all the windows in a small car, drivers are likely to notice any other vehicles or obstructions in their path in traffic. I have found that this good visibility is also beneficial when I am attempting to park in a tight spot or back up in a high traffic area. The smaller surface area of a smaller vehicle also means that there is less car for the driver to worry about when changing lanes or merging; a smaller car does not stick out as far and requires less space to move through traffic.There are many reasons to consider a small car a safe car. However, the safety of any vehicle is enhanced when the car is properly maintained. One way to keep a car in top condition is by protecting it from the outside in with Auto Super Shield. The protective film that we apply to vehicles goes a long way in preventing damage from normal wear and tear. We do whatever is necessary to keep a car in the best shape possible.