Visibility: Now You See Me...Now You Don't
From small cars to big SUVs, visibility problems loom large in the U.S. car market. Are automakers designing for style or substance?
Protecting Pedestrians Through Vehicle Design
Pedestrian accidents comprise about 11 percent of motor vehicle deaths annually. Automakers are now putting some of the safety focus outside the vehicle.
How To Survive the Top 10 Driving Emergencies
In our three-part series, our expert teaches the method for recovering from the most common emergencies. Drivers at every level can learn important techniques here.
Roadside Assistance: Who Ya Gonna Call?
Myriad companies now offer roadside assistance plans, and some are even free. But they're not all the same. Choose one that won't leave you stranded.
Multitasking Mania
Eating, reading, phoning... we're doing it all behind the wheel. While automakers balance design priorities, insurers fret over driving safety.
Highway Death Toll Stuck in Neutral
Every 15 minutes someone in the U.S. learns that a loved one has died in a traffic crash. Despite safety advances, that grim crash fatality statistic has held steady for the past two decades. Here's what's being done about it.
Asleep at the Wheel
You may say that you'd never drive drunk, but what about driving drowsy? Just like driving under the influence, drowsy driving causes fatal mistakes. These tips will help you to avoid falling asleep at the wheel.
Driven to Distraction: Cell Phones in the Car
"DWY," or "Driving While Yakking," is a leading cause of distracted driving. But sometimes you've got to make that call. Here's how to do it safely.
Tire Safety: Don't Ignore the Rubber on the Road
The most critical piece of safety equipment in your car is your tires. Our piece on tire safety will open your eyes to this oft-ignored subject.
New Safety Act To Save Kids' Lives
It's been a long time coming, but the Cameron Gulbransen Kids Transportation Safety Act will save lives by improving rear visibility and requiring other vehicle changes.
Driving Pregnant
Airbags and seatbelts can protect unborn children, but there are important rules for expectant mothers to follow.
Should School Buses Have Seatbelts?
Think this is a no-brainer? Not so fast. Safety, money and enforcement are all part of an ongoing debate.
Tragic YouTube Video Questions Seatbelt Safety
After their 3-year-old was killed in a crash, the Millers produced a heartbreaking video and posted it on YouTube. Almost 2 million views later, the debate over seatbelt failure continues.
Are Infants Safe in Their Car Seats? Consumer Reports' publication — and quick withdrawal — of infant car seat crash tests created confusion and controversy. Here's the low-down for parents.
Preventing Backover Deaths
As advocacy groups battle the government and automakers to create the first rear visibility standard for U.S. vehicles, 100 children die annually from "backovers" and thousands more are injured. Here are some of their stories.
How To Choose a Car Seat
Choosing a car seat is an important and confusing decision. Here's how to seat your children safely, from the time they're born until they can fit into adult seatbelts.
How To Install a Car Seat
More than 80 percent of all car seats are incorrectly installed or used. Here's how to properly protect your most precious cargo.
How To Crashproof Your Teen Driver
Our new teen driver safety series offers comprehensive advice on protecting this highest-risk group, including best/worst cars and strategies for parents.
Skidding for Safety's Sake
Driver's ed just doesn't cut it. Ford's "Driving Skills for Life" program provided 700 lucky teens with hands-on training for real-world emergencies.
What Should We Do About Grandma's Driving?
Senior citizens have the second highest accident rate, after teenagers. But much can be done to make senior drivers — and the roads they travel — safer.
Top 10 Best Vehicles for Seniors in 2007
Seniors often have special concerns when buying a new car. Our 2007 list spotlights 10 stylish, high-quality vehicles — in a wide price range — that make driving convenient and safe.
Review: "Tested every '08 CUV on the market and bought the Edge. Great 2nd-row legroom with easy-to-use recline feature, as well as comfortable seating both front and back. Ridiculously fun to drive, handles well and gives driver an intuitive feel when behind the wheel. Modern styling with a good-looking, rugged-stance. Sync, navigation and Vista Roof options take an already well-designed vehicle to the next level of driver integration. Progressive, comfortable, responsive, solid and tight, the Edge is well priced in its class."
Favorite Features: "Top IIHS safety pick, Vista Roof brings the outside in, Audophile sound with Sync, Sirius and navigation makes for an amazing package. Impressive ride and handling, extremely quiet cabin, good cargo space and power rear hatch. Well-laid-out controls. Overall, a quality machine with a solid feel."
Suggested Improvements: "Bring back some of the '07 color options, brighter instrument panel at night, optional HID headlamps, lighted glove compartment and as always, improve gas mileage." — mlerysk
Review: "Tested every '08 CUV on the market and bought the Edge. Great 2nd-row legroom with easy-to-use recline feature, as well as comfortable seating both front and back. Ridiculously fun to drive, handles well and gives driver an intuitive feel when behind the wheel. Modern styling with a good-looking, rugged-stance. Sync, navigation and Vista Roof options take an already well-designed vehicle to the next level of driver integration. Progressive, comfortable, responsive, solid and tight, the Edge is well priced in its class."
