In 2002, when we had decided I needed to limit my driving, we were replacing a 1984 BMW 5 series, a car that ranked at the top of occupant safety until well into the 90's. We purchased a GMC Yukon. It had a very low injury rate and offered side impact air bags. Too bad GM was not putting the SAAB/GM active head restraints in it. They are only a $50 feature from what I can find.

Our previous full size GM vehicles had totaled three other cars with only minor fender and bumper damage to our vehicle. Today's models have more ability to absorb energy in the frame thus transmitting less energy to the passenger cabin.

The active head restraint systems are worth looking for when buying a car. The IIHS and NTSB have lists of the injury and fatality rates for different vehicles, usually expressed in a number of injuries per 100,000 miles or something like that. If I can find the link, I will post it.