When it comes to safety on the road, my family comes to mind, immediately. When you're a parent, your first priority in life is keeping your kids safe at all times. Keeping them safe on the road can be a scary task. There are so many factors in keeping kids safe in the car. You have to worry about your own safe driving habits, other drivers on the road, and the safety of your vehicle. Finding the right car for your family might seem like a daunting undertaking, but it's not as hard as you might make it out to be. 

Think about how much time you actually spend in your car as a family. Do you feel like you live in it? Your car is sort of like an extension of your home. You want it to be comfortable, safe, and warm/cool, protecting your family from the elements. Will you be doing a lot of traveling in your car? It's definitely something to consider before locking yourself into a new vehicle. What do you need to cart around in the car besides the kids? Do you have a pet? Will you need a lot of cargo space for baby gear, sports equipment, or instruments?

Let's talk trusted manufacturers. My husband is a Subaru guy. His family has been driving Subaru's for years, and we're on our second family Subaru. We brought both of our babies home from the hospital in our Subarus and we've been on many family trips in them. Our oldest Subaru even protected my husband when he hit a deer many years ago. Subaru is a brand we love and trust, so it's always the first manufacturer we go to when we're considering the possibility of buying a new car. It's great to stick with a car that you've had wonderful experiences with, and good to stay up to date on the latest news and features. We subscribe to Consumer Reports to stay abreast of the latest news from top car and appliance brands.

Is a sedan the right choice?

For years, we've been a sedan family. Now that we're a family of four, we're finding that we're really cramped for space in a sedan, and that we'd feel less cramped in an SUV. Being more comfortable in your vehicle also allows you to feel less stressed, which can play a big part in keeping your family safe.

Consider the fuel cost.

Filling up at the pump can be pricey, so make sure that your purchase of a newer, safer vehicle for your family will be an affordable one. There's nothing worse than purchasing a vehicle with all of the bells, whistles, and amazing safety features you want and need, and then realizing that you can't really afford to keep it running safely.

Safety ratings

Check the vehicle's safety ratings when you're checking them out online or on the lot. Do your research here. Check for things like airbag placement, roll safety features, brakes, 4-wheel drive, etc. Make sure the vehicle has the safety features you're looking for, and don't forget to check into crash test reports. Never go for a car that doesn't have a 5-Star Safety Rating.

Brought to you by Roberts Subaru.