Key Factors Contributing to Vehicle Safety

Explore the crucial factors that make a vehicle safe, including crash tests, safety features, and technological advancements. Learn how automakers prioritize passenger protection through rigorous evaluations and innovative safety systems. Choosing a vehicle with top safety ratings helps ensure occupant security on the road.

What Ensures Vehicle Safety?

Modern vehicles feature sleek aerodynamic profiles, robust engines, plush interiors, and cutting-edge technology. However, the primary concern for automakers remains passenger safety. Significant investments are made annually to incorporate advanced safety systems designed to detect hazards, prevent accidents, and safeguard occupants during emergencies.

According to assessments by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), some of the safest vehicles in 2017 included models like the Chevrolet Volt, Mazda 3, Volkswagen Jetta, Audi A4, Lexus RC, Toyota RAV4, Honda Pilot, Acura MDX, Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class, Chrysler Pacifica, and Honda Ridgeline.

Vehicles are grouped by class and size, then subjected to a series of five initial tests to qualify for safety recognition by IIHS and NHTSA.

The moderate overlap front test involves colliding the vehicle with a wall that impacts 40% of the front. The small overlap front test simulates an impact covering 25% of the front area.

Side impact tests evaluate how well the vehicle withstands oblique collisions. Roof strength assessments determine if the roof can support four times the vehicle's weight, essential during roll-overs. Head restraint tests aim to protect occupants' necks in crashes.

Vehicles passing these evaluations are eligible for top safety awards. Additionally, crash prevention systems are tested to ensure the car's electronics can avert frontal collisions, and headlights are examined for clarity and brightness to help drivers see hazards from afar.

Automobile safety technology continues to evolve yearly, offering new features to enhance protection. When purchasing a new vehicle, prioritize safety features to ensure maximum protection for all passengers.