It's still vital, however, that children ride in the back seat of any motor vehicle. Most automobile headrests provide little protection in rear-end accidents. The federal government required their installation in 1967, but haven't provided standards for their successful implementation. An effective headrest is one that's directly behind the centerline of the head and positioned no more than a couple of inches away. Be aware that some seating options change the size and style of head restraint.
Structural integrity is another important component of passive safety.
The US Department of Transportation requires that the doors and passenger compartments of automobiles made after 1996 meet minimal side impact standards. Active Safety Features - Active safety features help drivers avoid accidents. A vehicle's tires, brakes, handling, acceleration, and visibility all make important contributions to active crash avoidance. The most important safety items on a car are the tires. A good set of tires can make a huge difference to the way a car responds to emergency maneuvers.