Consumer Reports Provides New Car Buyers With Safety-Feature Guide

CR auto experts recommend electronic stability controls on vehicles; Found system on Toyota Land Cruiser made SUV safer

YONKERS, NY - Although new advanced safety features are now widely available, many buyers who don't know what to look for or who are unfamiliar with their advantages may pass them by.

The new safety features Consumer Reports highlights for car buyers include:

· Electronic stability control. This system helps keep the vehicle on its intended path during a turn when it starts to slide or skid. It’s especially helpful on slippery roads and in accident avoidance situations. On an SUV, pickup, or other tall vehicle, it can help prevent situations that can lead to rollovers. Consumer Reports auto experts found that the feature made a significant difference on the 2001 Toyota Land Cruiser, which was reviewed in the March 2001 issue. The vehicle is now recommended by Consumer Reports because of its improved handling in our emergency-avoidance test, which stimulates the vehicle’s ability to steer around an obstacle that darts out into the road.

· Tire-pressure monitor. Although not a substitute for regular maintenance, a tire-pressure monitoring system can alert you to an underinflated tire before it becomes a significant problem. New legislation passed in the wake of the massive Firestone tire recall mandates a tire-pressure warning system on all new vehicles within three years.

· Child-seat attachments. Top-tether anchors are now required behind the rear seat on all new cars. Some new child safety seats also work with a universal lower mounting system, known as LATCH or ISOFIX. This system uses attachment points between the rear seat back and lower cushion so you can attach a child seat easily and more securely.

· Traction control. This feature limits wheel spin during acceleration. It ’s particularly useful when starting from a standstill in wintry conditions, and can be helpful as a less expensive (though less effective) alternative to all- or four-wheel drive.

The April auto issue, on sale everywhere March 20, also includes information on seat belt features, front and side airbags, and anti-lock brakes and details on safety equipment for more than 200 models. To subscribe to Consumer Reports, call 1-800-234-1645. Information and articles from the magazine can be accessed online at www.ConsumerReports.org.

Contacts: Jennifer Shecter (914) 378-2402 shecje@consumer.org Douglas Love (914) 478-2437 lovedo@consumer.org