According to data collected by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were 6,420,000 U.S. automobile accidents in 2005, injuring 2.9 million people and killing 42,636. For most drivers and passengers of automobiles, the question isn't if they will ever find themselves in an auto accident, but rather when.

Because of the prevalence of automobile accidents and potential for serious bodily harm, all vehicles are required by law to have certain fundamental safety features standard to the basic design. Some manufacturers go beyond the required safety features and some don't.

Automobiles carry precious cargo. In a world where you can not control the driving of others, it's always ensuring to know that you are driving the safest automobile that you can afford to help protect you and your passengers from serious injury. Here are three of the safest vehicles.

Volvo C30

The Volvo brand is world renowned for its' high safety standards, and they made that safety dedication long before government safety regulation was a factor in safety engineering. For example, Volvo was the first company to have independent central high-mounted brake lights. Ironically, this feature soon became federally mandated for all U.S. automobiles. Today, Volvo is still one of the safest vehicles on the road. The Volvo C30 features padded dashboards, laminated and shatter-proof front windshield, seatbelt pretensioners for all four seats, dynamic stability traction control, side-impact protection system, blind spot information system, etc..

Mini Cooper

The Mini Cooper might be popular because it has been seen in movies and has an unusual body design. However, it's also one of the safest (under $20,000 dollars) vehicles on the road. The 2010 Mini Cooper earned four of five stars for overall driver and passenger protection in government crash testing, with five stars in front passenger protection for side impact collisions and rollover testing. The Mini Copper engine is designed to break away from mounting in a head on collision. Cooper hardtops have a total of six airbags. The Mini Cooper is proof that safety can come with style.

Volkswagen Rabbit

The Volkswagen Rabbit is another top safety, stylish, and under $20,000 vehicle. The four-door model received four of five stars for government front impact testing and rollover testing and five of five for side impact testing. Side and side-curtain air bags are standard for the front seat, with rear side air bags being optional. The Rabbit also has tire pressure monitoring system and standard anti-lock brakes.