The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS) recently reported on seven different safety measures that could have a fast-acting and noticeable impact on the reduction of automotive accidents if they were federally mandated.

The U.S. Census reveals that both car accidents and road fatalities have been primarily on the decline since the 1980s. In 2008, there were roughly 37,261 traffic fatalities in the U.S., and the IIHS reports that last year there were nearly 5,000 fewer deaths. Even though the rates are improving, accidents can still happen. In this case, it can be wise to purchase a vehicle warranty to cover the cost of any necessary repairs.

"While we're looking for the next big breakthrough in vehicle safety technology, we should keep in mind that many existing strategies at the driver and passenger level can still yield gains," IIHS president Adrian Lund told the Wall Street Journal. "Not only can most of these countermeasures be put to work now, but the benefits would also be swift."

The IIHS recommends building roundabouts to reduce the rate of crashes at intersections, which is where most accidents tend to occur. The organization is also pushing for more stringent laws concerning the motorcycle helmets, seatbelts and teen drivers, as well as more DUI checkpoints, red light cameras and lower speed limits.