If you’re in charge of a large and active family, you’re probably spending much of your time acting as a chauffeur. Keeping your brood comfortable and safe, while also keeping your mind clear of distractions while driving, are likely major concerns if you’re looking forward to a new car purchase.

Safety is always a focus when buying a new car, but when your whole family is involved, it quickly becomes perhaps the paramount issue when checking out new car models. It’s always a good idea to peruse car safety ratings at www.safercar.gov as you strive to keep your family safe in your vehicle. Here are some of the latest safety offerings for the family car:

* Rear cameras are helpful when driving a larger vehicle, especially if your car is packed with kids.

* Adjustable seat belts that allow both the lap and shoulder belt to fit securely based on the size of the child.

Something else to consider are features that will keep your kids entertained and comfortable. Here are a few of the more popular family car features that will have your family riding in style:

* Rear TV and DVD players. Some car TVs now come equipped with inputs for computers, as well as satellite TV options.

* Collapsible seating. Since most families are constantly trying to strike a balance between storage capacity and seating capacity, this option gives you the most versatility.

* In-car hard drives make it possible to load up your kids’ favorite music without having the distraction of switching CDs.

When you’re buying a car for the whole family, it’s not a bad idea to take everyone to the dealership, so you can get a feel for what’s comfortable for your children. Taking a car for a spin with everyone in tow will give you the best idea of whether it might work for your family.

It’s also a good idea to factor fuel efficiency into your decision when buying a family car, as you’ll be carting your kids from place to place throughout the life of your new vehicle. Get an idea for which cars get the best gas mileage by checking out fuel-economy ratings before heading out to the dealership.

By carefully choosing the best car for your family, you’ll make sure you and your passengers travel many happy miles together during the life of your new vehicle.