Not all cars are created equal. Some cars can protect you and your passengers far better than others.

Your choice of car and its safety features may one day save your life. There are two valuable sources of reliable car safety information.

The Australasian New Car Assessment Program (or ANCAP) conducts crash tests on most top selling models and assesses the relative safety potential provided to front seat occupants in serious front and side crashes when seat belts are used.

It is supported by all Australian and New Zealand motoring clubs (such as the RACV or NRMA) as well as all State Governments. Drawing on data from several crash simulations, it can provide an informative guide for buyers who want to know the level of occupant protection in new cars.

The TAC How Safe Is Your Car website is another useful resource for new car buyers, especially those wanting to compare make and model.