While some drivers might look for a flashy exterior or excellent gas mileage when selecting a new or used car, there's one thing almost everyone can agree on: safety trumps every other characteristic a car might have. In an effort to help consumers make the right decision for their safety needs, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) recently revealed it's rankings.

Many drivers often think that midsize SUVs are the best choice for safety, especially since they are bigger than the more-vulnerable sedans but are easier to control than their larger counterparts. Among the midsize SUVs, the Acura MDX stood out from the pack. The IIHS says that betwen 2005 and 2008, the MDX was involved in zero fatal multi-car crashes, with the only fatalities coming in single-car accidents.

In the much the same vein, the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee was also highly rated by the IIHS. It scored well in a number of categories including front, side, rollover and rear collision tests. The Grand Cherokee experienced no fatalities in multi-car crashes between 2005 and 2008.

As for minivans, the organization had only good things to say about the Toyota Sienna. The popular car was given the highest rating in a plethora of different areas including side impact tests and roof strength tests, so it's no surprise that in the three year period it enjoyed an overall death rate of zero.

Of course, some people don't need the seating capacity that SUVs and minivans offer, but are still looking to be kept safe behind the wheel. According to the IIHS, there are plenty of smaller choices that can work just as well. For instance, the four-door Ford Focus has come a long way in the past several years. Maligned between 2000 and 2007 for poor side impact test results, the newer models have improved greatly in that area.

Although the list serves as a good guide for buyers, they should have a few things in mind themselves when they go looking for a new car including airbags, head safety restraints and anti-lock breaks.

Whether one is looking for a new Acura SUV or a more manageable Ford Focus, New Jersey Auto Auction is sure to have it at an affordable price.
 

Monterey Car Week is slated to kick off in Monterey, California, next Monday, and there are certainly some impressive rides up for auction to coincide with the much-anticipated event. Among the highlights is Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa prototype that is worth an estimated $13 million.

Bloomberg reports that the car is set to go up for sale on August 20 at Gooding in picturesque Pebble Beach. If analysts' projections are correct and the historic automobile does bring in $13 million, it would be a record for a car.

It's no surprise that the Testa Rossa has such record-setting potential. Built in 1957, this model is complete with a sleek red body and was one of the most revered racecars during the '50s and '60s.

"It's an iconic car and an iconic design." Ferrari historian Marcel Massini told the news source.

Of course, the Ferrari is not the only impressive car on the block next week. Collectors can also snatch up a 1925 Rolls-Royce New Phantom specially made for hunting tigers.

The struggling economy has a lot of consumers worried, but there may be a silver lining for drivers. The New York Times reports that the falling price of crude oil will likely spell good news at the pump, and motorists could save significantly.

By the end of Monday, oil closed at around $81 a barrel, and analysts believe this could drop gas prices to a national average of about $3.25 per gallon – which is around 40 cents lower than it currently stands.

Though the lower prices are indicative of tough economic times, they will also certainly be a help to drivers who are looking to save money any way they can. The reduction will give consumers more money, which could help stimulate the economy.

"Everybody is helped when gasoline prices come down," Michael P. Niemira, chief economist for the International Council of Shopping Centers, told the Times.

While gas prices may be on their way down, that doesn't mean drivers shouldn't do their best to conserve fuel. One of the best ways to do so is for drivers to use cruise control whenever it's safe and turn off their car whenever idling. 

The innovative self-driving car launched by Google earlier this year was recently involved in a minor accident in California, and while that's certainly an interesting development, what's most compelling about the story is that at the time the car was being driven by a human being.

Business Insider reports that the specially-outfitted Prius struck another Prius from behind, which caused a chain reaction of three other cars. Nobody was injured in the crash, which might ironically serve as an endorsement of self-driven automobiles.

"Safety is our top priority," a Google spokesperson told the news source. "One of our goals is to prevent fender-benders like this one, which occurred while a person was manually driving the car."

According to NBC Bay Area, Google also pointed out that similar self-driven cars have clocked an impressive 160,000 miles already without an incident.

Though driverless cars are certainly a far way off, for now motorists can get behind of the innovative cars like the Toyota Prius or the Chevrolet Volt by checking out New Jersey Auto Auction.

Many drivers may fancy themselves especially talented when it comes to saving on gas, but one couple puts everyone else to shame. John and Helen Taylor, along with their sponsor Shell, recently began a cross-country drive to spread the word about fuel-efficiency.

The Taylors are certainly no strangers to saving on gas. They own two fuel companies and have reportedly set 88 records for their smart driving. According to Shell, they drove through 25 different countries (covering more than 18,000 miles) and only used 24 tanks of gas in the process.

Their most recent endeavor, in which they hope to drive through each of the 48 contiguous states, kicked off from Los Angeles, and just two days into the trip they were already in Texas.

"By setting out for another fuel economy record using practical tips, we're excited to show everyday motorists how they can become more fuel efficient drivers through the Shell Smarter Driving program," said Helen Taylor.

Drivers can get a good start on saving fuel by finding a car with excellent gas mileage at New Jersey Auto Auction.