Patrick Devlin writes:

My list is oriented towards "active safety", that is, things that help me AVOID crashes. Passive safety (helps you stay safe after you have got into a crash) is much, much harder to upgrade because so much of it depends on inbuilt car characteristics and changing it requires extensive and expensive re-engineering. Plus, life-threatening or injury-threatening traffic crashes are extremely rare relative to the number of vehicle miles travelled. But, we all have to drive with idiots and unexpected obstacles! So, active safety items top my list.

Better brakes, tires and suspension. It's fun to go fast, it's important to stop fast (and straight, and repeatedly). It's important to steer fast (and in the direction you want to go, EVERY time). It's also important to "keep the greasy side of the car facing down" with good tires.

Better lights and signals! I felt so strongly about this one that I got into the business. US-spec lighting and signalling has always been a couple decades behind the rest of the world. There are *good* headlamps that fit in place of weepy sealed beams, there are *good* and *cheap* ways to upgrade brake lamp performance and improve your turn signals...when people can see you , and when you can see, you are a LOT safer if you do much driving at night.

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Seatbelts were mentioned in an earlier thread. I also wish there were a good way to put 3-point (lap/shoulder) seatbelts into an older car not originally so equipped. Swapping seats in from a Chrysler Sebring convertible is a tremendously good way to do the job, and here's why: There's no way to install 3-point belts in an early car and have them work when you need them, without major reinforcement of the B-pillar or roof where the top "point" of the triangular lap/shoulder belt attaches. AND, early cars have no (or inadequate) head restraints! The convertible seat swap gets you a 3-for-1 deal: More comfortable seats...effective head restraints...good seatbelts!

Probably the easiest and least expensive way to upgrade safety, though, is to keep your car -- whatever kind of brakes, lights, tires, and seats it has -- in proper repair. DON'T let crucial safety systems deteriorate. The "prevention" you do with "preventive" maintenance may be the prevention of a crash.

DS
(as far as lighting, I prefer to keep commercial posts off the list...I'll happily discuss what works well and how to install it, and if people here choose to buy it from me, that's terrific, but as far as prices and stuff...I think it's best to keep it off the list.)

redbear@vrx.net