When it comes time to buy a car, safety tends to be a top concern for many drivers. The Insurance Institutes for Highway Safety (IIHS) tests cars and offers consumers some guidance, by naming its Top Safety Picks. Forbes recently complied a list of small cars named IIHS Top Safety Picks, which can be a useful tool for drivers starting the search for their next cars.

The news source started out with the list of all of the IIHS Top Safety Picks from the 2012 model year, and then narrowed it down to the vehicles with the most safety features that help drivers avoid crashes in the first place and keep them safe in the event of an accident. The Audi A3, for example made the cut because if has front, front-side and side-curtain airbags for front-seat passengers as well as seat-mounted side impact air bags for those sitting in the backseat.

Toyota's Prius found its way onto the list thanks to the optional Lane Departure Warning system, which not only alerts drivers if they are drifting but can register if another vehicle on the road is approaching or traveling in the same direction. The Buick Verano, Chevrolet Cruze, and Chevy Volt all made it onto Forbes' list as well.

The IIHS doesn't just focus on small cars, so drivers who want something bigger are in luck. The Ford F-150 and Honda Ridgeline pickups both had top marks in IIHS testing. SUV fans can look to models like the Volkswagen Touareg, Hyundai Santa Fe, Dodge Durango and Ford Explorer among other for safe options for larger vehicles.

Those looking to get behind the wheel of an affordable, safe vehicle can head to New Jersey State Auto Auction. The dealer offers affordable prices on a wide variety of used cars, and all of their vehicles are CARFAX certified so you know the vehicle you choose will be reliable.