8 Dangerous Myths About Car Safety Everyone Believes

Many drivers believe they are making safe choices on the road, but widespread myths can put them at serious risk. Misinformation about vehicle safety leads to dangerous driving habits, overconfidence, and preventable accidents. Some of these myths stem from outdated advice, while others are based on misunderstandings of modern technology. When drivers trust false information, they may unknowingly increase their chances of injury or fatal crashes. Breaking free from these misconceptions is essential for protecting yourself, your passengers, and everyone else on the road. By exposing the truth behind these myths, drivers can make smarter decisions and improve their overall safety.

Bigger Cars Are Always Safer Than Smaller Cars

Many people assume that larger vehicles provide superior protection in an accident. While size and weight can be factors, safety depends on more than just vehicle dimensions. Modern small cars are designed with advanced safety features, including crumple zones and reinforced frames that absorb impact effectively. In some crash tests, smaller vehicles with top safety ratings perform better than larger vehicles with outdated technology.

Larger vehicles, such as SUVs and trucks, also come with their own risks. Their higher center of gravity makes them more prone to rollovers, which can be deadly. Drivers of bigger cars often feel a false sense of security, leading to riskier driving behavior. Additionally, large blind spots make it easier to miss pedestrians, cyclists, or smaller cars in adjacent lanes.

Newer Cars Are Automatically Safer Than Older Ones

It’s easy to assume that newer cars are always safer than older ones, but this isn’t always the case. While modern vehicles come equipped with advanced technology like automatic braking and lane departure warnings, not all models prioritize safety over aesthetics or fuel efficiency. Some older cars with strong crash test ratings and proper maintenance can still offer excellent protection. Instead of assuming newer means safer, drivers should compare individual vehicle safety scores before making a decision.

Relying solely on technology can also be dangerous. Some drivers become overly dependent on features like blind-spot monitoring or automatic braking, leading to inattention behind the wheel. Additionally, newer vehicles often have more distractions, such as large touchscreens and voice-activated controls, which can take a driver’s focus away from the road. Regardless of a car’s age, responsible driving and regular maintenance remain the most important factors in road safety.

Hands-Free Devices Eliminate Distractions While Driving

Many believe that using hands-free devices is a safe alternative to holding a phone while driving. While hands-free options allow drivers to keep both hands on the wheel, they don’t eliminate cognitive distraction. The mental effort required to engage in a conversation or navigate voice-activated systems still takes attention away from the road. Studies have shown that even when using hands-free technology, reaction times are significantly delayed.

In-car infotainment systems can be just as distracting as handheld phones. Voice commands often require multiple attempts, causing drivers to focus on the system rather than their surroundings. Reading texts aloud or dictating messages can divert mental energy away from driving, increasing the risk of errors. The safest approach is to minimize any phone use while driving and pull over when necessary.

Tires Only Need to Be Replaced When They Look Worn Out

Many drivers assume that as long as their tires have visible tread, they are safe to use. However, tire safety depends on more than just appearance, as rubber degrades over time, even if the tread looks fine. Exposure to heat, cold, and road conditions can cause internal damage that weakens tire integrity. Waiting until tires look worn out can increase the risk of blowouts, hydroplaning, and poor handling.

Proper tire maintenance goes beyond replacement—it includes monitoring tire pressure and alignment. Underinflated or overinflated tires affect braking, fuel efficiency, and overall vehicle stability. Regular tire rotations help ensure even wear, extending their lifespan and performance. Checking manufacturer recommendations for replacement timelines is the best way to avoid unexpected tire failures on the road.

The Back Seat Is the Safest Place for Everyone

The belief that the back seat is always the safest spot in a car is not entirely accurate. While it may offer better protection in some crash scenarios, its safety depends on seat belts, airbags, and vehicle design. Many back seats lack advanced safety features found in the front, such as side airbags or crash tension seat belts. Passengers who don’t buckle up in the back seat are at a much higher risk of severe injury during an accident.

Unbelted back-seat passengers can also become dangerous projectiles in a crash. In a frontal collision, they can be thrown forward with great force, potentially injuring front-seat occupants. Studies have shown that unbelted passengers in the back are more likely to suffer fatal injuries than those secured in the front. Ensuring that all passengers, regardless of where they sit, wear seat belts significantly improves overall vehicle safety.

You Should Brace for Impact in a Crash

Many people believe that tensing their body and bracing for impact can reduce injuries in an accident. However, rigid muscles absorb less force, increasing the risk of fractures, whiplash, and internal injuries. The safest approach is to sit upright with hands on the wheel and allow the car’s safety features to function as designed. Airbags and seat belts work best when the body moves naturally with the force of the crash.

Bracing can also cause injuries to the hands, wrists, and arms if a driver grips the steering wheel too tightly. Keeping a relaxed posture reduces the chance of broken bones and excessive strain on the spine. Additionally, pressing feet against the dashboard can lead to severe leg injuries in a collision. Trusting in seat belts, airbags, and good posture is the best way to minimize harm during an accident.

More Airbags Always Mean a Safer Car

While airbags are a crucial safety feature, having more of them does not automatically make a car safer. The placement, timing, and design of airbags matter more than the sheer number. Some poorly designed or improperly deployed airbags can cause injuries rather than prevent them. In some cases, side airbags deploy with excessive force, leading to head, chest, or rib injuries.

Airbags should be seen as a supplement to, not a replacement for, seat belts. Sitting too close to an airbag or failing to wear a seat belt can result in serious injuries upon deployment. Children and shorter passengers are at a higher risk if airbags activate too forcefully. Proper seat positioning and seat belt use remain the most effective ways to maximize crash protection, regardless of the number of airbags in a car.

Don’t Let These Myths Put You in Danger

Relying on misinformation about car safety can lead to risky decisions that put lives in danger. Many long-held beliefs about vehicles and driving practices have been debunked by modern research and crash data. Making informed choices based on facts rather than myths is the key to staying safe on the road. Whether it’s wearing seat belts in the back seat, trusting safety features responsibly, or maintaining proper vehicle care, small actions can make a big difference. The truth about car safety isn’t just about knowledge—it’s about applying it every time you drive.