If you have a family, you know how important it is to keep them safe and secure. And if you’re a driver, you know how crazy other people can be when they get behind the wheel.

That’s why it’s important to have a car that’s as safe as it can be. No matter how cautious you drive and how many precautions you take, no one can ensure they won’t get in a terrible automobile accident at some point.

Thankfully, today’s new cars are packed with more safety features than ever before. Some of these are mandated by the government — air bags and anti-lock brakes have been required for years, for example — while others are included to make new cars more attractive in a highly competitive marketplace. Every manufacturer wants to make their new cars as safe as possible.

One of the best safety features on new cars is traction and stability control. This is an electronic system that controls the brakes and throttle in emergencies, helping keep the car under control during skids. While no safety system can beat the laws of physics, they do make it much easier to keep the car pointed in the right direction during skids or when driving on slippery roads.

Air bags have also made great advances in recent years. While older-style air bags can be dangerous — and sometimes lethal — for children, new cars are required to have a sensor that can tell whether a child is riding in the front seat. This is much safer than on older cars where the air bag will deploy at full force in accidents.

The number and location of air bags are also making cars safer. Not only are they available in the front seat, but many cars offer air bags on the sides and in the rear seats to protect the head and body in crashes.

Some of the most advanced new cars are even taking things a step further by using technology to avoid an accident or prepare for one before it happens. They use sensors to predict if a wreck will occur, and they’ll take steps — such as applying more brake pressure or moving the head restraints — to make the wreck more survivable. This is cutting-edge technology that not all new cars have available, but it’s becoming more common with each passing year.

Finally, some new cars have safety systems that help the driver make better decisions. Rear back-up cameras, blind-spot sensors and parking assistance systems help drivers spot potential problems and take steps to avoid them.

All the technology and engineering that goes into new cars helps protect the most valuable possession you have: your life.