The majority of people do not simply walk into their local dealership, plunk down their checkbook, and grandly announce, “I’ll take that car!” Instead, consumers tend to research their purchases prior to moseying down to dealership and with good reason- it’s important to know what you want to buy, what features you should look for, and how others rate your potential set of wheels.  Yet, perhaps one of the most fundamental reasons for doing research is to gauge what the car’s safety rating is.  However, this can be a daunting task.  Perhaps it’s due to the advent of Google, but consumers can quickly find themselves overwhelmed when they type in “car ratings” that magical search bar.  That’s why we’re letting you know about two of our favorite sites to gather safety ratings from, all in hopes of making you a more informed and satisfied shopper.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

As a government-run organization the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, or NHTSA, should be a definite stop for you on your safety search.

The site includes information regarding national campaigns to reduce the number of vehicle-related deaths, including drunk driving, as well as a Vehicle Research and Test Center (VRTC) to conduct research to “ produce safer vehicles through improved vehicle performance, improved occupant protection systems, improved structural integrity of vehicles, increased understanding of driver behavior, and the use of intelligent systems to enhance drivers’ ability to avoid crashes and travel safely. VRTC also conducts investigations into potential safety related defects in motor vehicles in support of the Office of Defects Investigation.”  In laymen’s terms, the VRTC tests cars out to determine which vehicles are safe for you and your family.

The VRTC includes a link to safercar.gov to provide consumers with information regarding vehicles which have scored a 5-star safety rating.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety

Admittedly, this organization doesn’t have the flashiest of names, but don’t fear because what they lack in snappy monikers they make up in information.  The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, or IIHS, is “is an independent, nonprofit, scientific, and educational organization dedicated to reducing the losses — deaths, injuries, and property damage — from crashes on the nation’s highways.”  What’s this mean?  They’re not paid by companies to promote a specific type of vehicle and consequently, they can deliver reviews and advice to consumers based on fact, not fat wallets.

IIHS has an extensive database entitled “Top Safety Picks 2011″ which lists cars that have proven themselves in crashes.   Vehicles are rated “on performance in high-speed front and side crash tests, a rollover test, plus evaluations of seat/head restraints for protection against neck injuries in rear impacts.”   In order t snag the prestigious “Top Safety Pick” title cars must have good ratings in all four categories.

What other sites have you used when researching vehicles?