Car shopping? Consider these safety features.

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Author: O'Donnell, Jayne

1. a. ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL senses when a car is about to veer off course--for example, when you're going too fast around a curve--and applies the brakes or cuts power. This feature is available on more than half of 2005 cars and SUVs. A $1,700 option, it's expected to be standard on all SUVs within two years.
2. b. TRACTION CONTROL detects when a wheel is losing its grip on the road while you're accelerating and makes an adjustment. This is available on about 75 percent of 2005 models. It's a $1,200 option.
3. c. ANTILOCK BRAKES keep the car from skidding when you have to slam on the brakes. It's standard on all but a few 2005 models. Expect to pay $800 for the option.
4. SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAGS inflate down from the roof to offer head protection. (Look for curtains that protect each row of seats.) They are standard on about 25 percent of 2005 models. Another 25 percent or so offer it as a $1,600 option.
5. SIDE AIRBAGS protect the driver and front-seat passenger from a side-impact crash. They are available on some 70 percent of 2005 models; option price is about $1,600.

Bottom illustration by Steve Stankiewicz

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By Jayne O'Donnell