Author: Shelby Benavidez  

Contributing Attorney:  Camille Pace, attorney 

Think about the first car you ever drove. Now compare it to the vehicles on the road today. Chances are, the difference is night and day.  

Car safety has come a long way in the United States. Technologies that are now the standard couldn’t have been imagined in your wildest dreams back in the day. But with rising car prices, many drivers are holding onto older vehicles or buying used, older cars and trucks instead of new ones. That raises an important question: Are newer cars actually safer than older cars – and if so, how much safer?  

In this blog, we’ll walk through the history of car safety, compare newer and older vehicles, and help you understand what matters most when it comes to protecting yourself and your passengers.  

The History of Car Safety in the U.S.  

1950s–1960s: The Beginning of Vehicle Safety Standards in the U.S.  

  • 1959: Volvo introduces the three-point seat belt (not yet required in the U.S.).  
  • 1968: Seat belts become mandatory in all new passenger vehicles sold in the U.S.  

1970s: Federal Oversight on Vehicles Begins  

  • 1970: NHTSA is officially established.  
  • 1973: Energy-absorbing steering columns become standard to reduce chest injuries.  
  • Late 1970s: Improved vehicle structures begin addressing crash impact forces.  

1980s: Passive Safety Features in Vehicles 

  • 1984: Automatic seat belts or airbags are required in some vehicles.  
  • 1985: Every U.S. state had enacted some form of law requiring child safety seats for young children.   
  • 1989: Side-impact protection standards are strengthened.  

1990s: When Airbags Become Standard  

  • 1998: Dual front airbags are mandatory in all passenger vehicles.  
  • Anti-lock braking systems (ABS) grow in popularity, though not required.  

2000s: The Expansion of Safety Technology in Vehicles  

  • 2000: Child safety seat standards become a priority.  
  • 2007: Electronic Stability Control (ESC) became mandated.  
  • Side curtain airbags become common, especially in SUVs.  

2010s: Advanced Driver Assistance Technology 

  • 2012: Rearview cameras become more widely adopted.  
  • 2018: Backup cameras are required in all new vehicles under 10,000 pounds.  
  • Features like lane departure warnings, blind spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control are common in newer vehicles. 

2020s: Active Safety Features in Modern Vehicles  

  • Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) becomes standard in many vehicles.  
  • Pedestrian detection systems improve.  

Confirmed Future Safety Requirements (NHTSA)  

  • Enhanced crash test standards are expected to better reflect realistic accidents, including impacts involving SUVs and electric vehicles.  

Comparing Newer Cars and Older Cars  

Are Newer Cars Safer in Crashes?  

In short, yes – newer cars are significantly safer than older vehicles in crashes.  

Modern vehicles are designed with advanced crumple zones, stronger passenger compartments, and multiple airbags placed throughout the car. They also benefit from decades of crash data that engineers use to improve the design and safety of the vehicle.  

What truly sets newer cars apart, though, is crash avoidance technology. Features like automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and blind spot monitoring actively help drivers avoid accidents before they ever happen. Older vehicles simply don’t have this type of technology.  

Even a well-built car from the early 2000s can’t match the safety performance of a vehicle built within the last five to ten years.  

How Old Is Too Old for a Used Vehicle?  

There’s no universal cutoff, but safety experts often point to 15 years as a critical threshold. Vehicles older than 15 years don’t have the modern safety features and, therefore, may not meet current crash safety standards.   

That doesn’t mean every older car is unsafe. A well-maintained vehicle from 2010 with side airbags and stability control can still offer the protection you need. However, cars built before the mid-2000s generally fall far behind in safety performance. If safety is a priority (and it should be), a relatively newer vehicle is almost always better.  

The Role of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)  

One of the biggest safety gaps between new and old vehicles is ADAS technology. These systems include AEB, forward-collision warnings, lane-departure warnings, blind spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control.   

ADAS doesn’t replace attentive driving, but it does provide an extra layer of protection. Studies consistently show that vehicles equipped with these systems are involved in fewer rear-end collisions and pedestrian accidents. Older vehicles simply weren’t designed with this technology in mind.  

Other Considerations for New vs. Old Cars  

Vehicle Maintenance: Older Cars vs. Newer Cars  

Newer vehicles typically require less frequent maintenance, especially in the first several years. When service is needed, it’s usually covered under a manufacturer’s warranty or included as part of a maintenance package. Because of this, owners of newer cars are more likely to stay on top of routine maintenance and address issues as soon as they arise.  

Older vehicles, on the other hand, tend to experience more frequent mechanical issues as parts wear down over time. Unfortunately, drivers may be more likely to delay or ignore repairs, especially if the car is already showing its age or the cost feels hard to justify. This can have a direct impact on safety. Worn brakes, aging tires, and neglected suspension components can increase stopping distances, reduce vehicle control, and raise the risk of an accident.  

Insurance Coverage for Older Vehicles  

Insurance might not be the first thing people think about when it comes to car safety, but it plays a bigger role than many realize. Most newer vehicles are financed, and because of that, lenders usually require drivers to carry full coverage insurance. That typically includes comprehensive and collision coverage. While this kind of policy costs more each month, it also offers much stronger protection if you’re involved in an accident. It can help cover repairs, medical bills, and other expenses that add up quickly after a crash.  

Older vehicles are often cheaper to insure because drivers can usually opt for liability-only coverage. That lower price can be appealing, especially if the car isn’t worth much anymore. The downside is that liability-only policies don’t offer the same level of protection. If you’re in an accident, you may be left paying for your own vehicle damage or facing limited coverage for injuries.  

In the end, lower insurance costs often come with trade-offs. Cheaper policies usually mean less protection, and in a serious accident, that difference can matter just as much as the safety features built into the car.  

Cost vs. Safety: Choosing a Safe Vehicle within Your Budget  

We understand that not everyone can afford a brand-new car or even a newer used model – and that’s okay. We’re not suggesting that older cars can’t be safe; we’re simply highlighting that shopping for a new-to-you vehicle should be about finding the best and safest option that works within your budget.  

When shopping for a new-to-you vehicle, be sure to do your research. Instead of focusing only on how a car looks or how new it appears, try to prioritize safety features that actually protect you and your passengers. Look for vehicles with strong crash test ratings from trusted sources, and pay attention to which safety features come standard.  

It’s also a good idea to avoid vehicles that were built before certain safety features became mandatory. Things like multiple airbags, electronic stability control, and backup cameras can make a real difference in both crash prevention and injury outcomes.  

Before making a final decision, check with your insurance provider to see what type of coverage would be available for the vehicle you’re considering. Insurance options can vary based on a car’s age and value, and knowing that information ahead of time can help you understand the level of financial protection you’d have if an accident were to happen.  

In many cases, a slightly older vehicle with modern safety features is a smarter and safer choice than a newer-looking car that lacks them. The goal isn’t to buy the newest car on the lot; it’s to choose one that helps keep you safe on the road.  

Key Takeaways: What Everyone Should Know Before Purchasing a Vehicle  

Car safety has evolved dramatically over the last several decades, and it’s still improving. Newer vehicles are safer not just because they handle crashes better, but because they’re designed to prevent crashes altogether.  

That doesn’t mean older cars are inherently unsafe. Many are still reliable, well-built vehicles. But when it comes to protecting yourself and your family, the gap between new and old is real and growing.  

Whether you’re shopping for a car or deciding whether to keep the one you have, understanding these differences can help you make a safer, more informed choice.  

FAQs About Newer vs. Older Car Safety  

Are newer cars safer than older cars?  

Yes. Newer cars benefit from improved crash structures, more airbags, and advanced driver assistance systems that help prevent accidents.  

What year cars are considered safest?  

Generally, vehicles made within the last 5–10 years offer the best combination of modern safety features and crash protection.  

Is it safe to drive a 20-year-old car?  

It can be, but older cars lack many modern safety features and may not meet current crash standards. 

Do safety features really prevent accidents?  

Yes. Features like automatic emergency braking and blind spot monitoring have been shown to help reduce certain types of crashes. 

Should I buy a new car just for safety?  

Not always. A newer used car with updated safety features can provide solid protection without the cost of a brand-new vehicle.