Americans love their cars almost as much as they love driving their cars. But no one loves getting hurt or hurting others in an auto accident. With more and more drivers experiencing road rage, you have no control over the actions of other drivers on the road. Driving calmly and defensively, as well as minimizing distractions like cell phones, can help you protect yourself, your passengers, and that car you love so much.

Federal Report Says Auto Safety Features Are Saving Lives

Since 1960, automotive safety features such as seat belts and air bages have saved 329,000 lives, according to a report by the U.S. Department of Transportation. "Of all the safety features introduced since 1960, one of them - safety belts - accounts for more than half of all the lives saved," says Dr. Jeffrey Runge, head of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The other features include child safety seats, energy-absorbing steering columns, improved roofs, and shatter-resistant windshields.

• Read this Story from the Detroit News