They're the "little extras" you pay for and hope you never have to use. But in an accident, the right safety options can sometimes mean the difference between life and death.

One of the more positive trends in the industry today is that auto makers are pioneering all kinds of gadgets and gizmos designed to keep you and yours safe behind the wheel. Unfortunately, many of the latest features are being introduced first on luxury and high-end models, so you may not be able to get them yet for the family sedan.

Manufacturers leading the charge include Lexus, Mercedes-Benz and Volvo, says Jonathan Linkov, managing editor of autos for Consumer Reports magazine.
But not to worry, he says, the best of the technology will be available for the family sedan in a few years. Widespread use of the technology "will help the companies that use them recoup their investment," he says.

Prices tend to vary with the manufacturer and depending on if they are available individually or as part of a package. As the features gain a track record and become more popular with customers, consumer advocates expect to see them available on a wider selection of vehicles and at lower prices.

The future of auto safety Here are some of the features that are actually available now on some models.

New features 1. Electronic stability control (ESC) 2. Pre-collision systems 3. Lane control system 4. Adaptive (radar) cruise control 5. Active headlight systems 6. Head-level side-impact airbags 7. Roof-mounted airbags 8. Rollover sensors with pyrotechnic pretensioners 9. Reinforced roof 10. Integrated safety belts

Electronic stability control (ESC): This goes by a lot of different names, depending on the manufacturer. The technology and capabilities also vary but the basic purpose is to coordinate various systems to maximize a driver's effective response during an evasive maneuver, potential rollover or collision. The system will maximize traction to certain wheels, or make it easier to turn the wheel in the right direction (and harder to turn in the wrong one) to boost the chances of avoiding an accident.

"The research is showing if all vehicles had electronic stability control we could prevent nearly one third of all fatal crashes," says Russ Rader, spokesman for the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

While it's becoming much more common, it's not yet the standard equipment. "People still have to seek it out," says Linkov. "But it's something we, as an organization, would like to see standard on all vehicles." Right now the feature is standard on 40 percent of 2006 models -- including several lower-priced models -- and optional on another 15 percent, Rader says. Hyundai, for example, is offering ESC as standard equipment on five of its vehicle lines for 2007 -- all of which have base prices of less than $25,000.

And there's more than safety involved. Linkov says ESC systems save money if you estimate that it can shave 10 to 23 percent from the overall collision losses, depending on the make and model of the vehicle.

"It instantaneously brakes individual wheels faster than a race car driver could to keep the vehicle balanced during an evasive maneuver or a slide," says Linkov. But "it still gives you control," he says.  "It greatly reduces the likelihood of accidents and saves lives -- particularly with SUVs because of the high center of gravity."