your car choice is a safety choice
At Amy’s Foundation we work across policy, enforcement, behaviour and technology to reduce road harm. Separation of bikes and cars is always the safest option, but with more than 877,000 km of roads in Australia, there will always be times when we share the road.
That’s where safer cars matter. Advances in vehicle technology now protect people outside the car as well as those inside. Our job is to keep pushing until these features are written into law and standard in every new car.
This guide shows what to ask before you buy.
Every car purchase is one of the biggest safety decisions you will ever make. Not only for you and your passengers, but for every cyclist, pedestrian, and motorcyclist you share the road with.
That’s why Amy’s Foundation and ANCAP Safety created Australia’s first Car Buyers Guide focused on protecting people outside the car.
Why This Guide Matters
Road deaths are rising. Cyclist fatalities are up 36% and pedestrian deaths up 15%. Most of us are not only cyclists or pedestrians, we are also motorists. By demanding safer vehicles when we buy, we influence manufacturers and help shape a safer future for all road users.
What’s Inside the Guide
The Car Buyers Guide equips you with the knowledge to choose wisely:
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The Four Pillars of ANCAP Safety
Adult Occupant Protection, Child Occupant Protection, Vulnerable Road User Protection, and Safety Assist technologies. -
Top 10 Questions to Ask Before You Buy
From whether AEB detects cyclists at night, to whether the car has exit warnings to stop dooring incident. -
Technologies That Protect Vulnerable Road Users
Including pedestrian and cyclist detection, reversing AEB, intersection assist, and anti-dooring alert. -
Additional Checks for Families
Child seat anchors, side curtain airbags, fatigue detection, and rear-seat safety feature.
This guide puts power in your hands. The safer car you choose today will help protect every road user tomorrow.
Check ANCAP ratings and compare the safest cars on the road.
Filter by star rating, year, and sort by Vulnerable Road User rating.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Amy's Foundation and ANCAP Car Buyers Guide?
The Car Buyers Guide is a free resource created by Amy’s Foundation and ANCAP Safety. It highlights which safety features matter most and gives you the right questions to ask before buying a car.
Why does this guide matter?
Every car purchase is a safety decision that affects not only you but also other road users. Choosing safer vehicles helps reduce deaths and injuries for cyclists, pedestrians, and motorists alike.
Who is ANCAP?
ANCAP (Australasian New Car Assessment Program) independently tests and rates vehicles sold in Australia and New Zealand. Their four-pillar system assesses occupant safety, vulnerable road user protection, and crash-prevention technology.
Does a 5-star ANCAP rating always mean the car is safe?
A 5-star rating reflects standards at the time of testing, and older ratings do not account for today’s safety technology. Always check the year the rating was awarded for a true comparison.
What are Vulnerable Road Users (VRUs)?
What questions should I ask before buying a car?
The guide lists the top 10 questions to ask, such as whether the car’s AEB detects cyclists at night and if it includes safety features like exit warnings as standard. These checks ensure your choice protects all road users.
Who should use this guide?
The Car Buyers Guide is for anyone purchasing a car, whether new or used. Families, commuters, and recreational riders will all benefit from making safer choices at the dealership.
How often is the guide updated?
Amy’s Foundation and ANCAP update the guide as new technologies and testing standards emerge. This ensures drivers always have the latest information to make informed safety decisions.
