Large Luxury Cars Not Always Safest: Side Impact Crash Test Scores Released
The price of an automobile doesn't always correlate to its safety rating, according to a recent news release from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The organization issues ratings of "Good," "Acceptable," "Marginal," and "Poor" following crash tests in which a weighted frame approximating a large SUV or truck strikes the parked vehicle on the driver's side at a speed of 31 miles per hour. Side impacts are the second most fatal type of crash -- frontal collisions are generally the most deadly.
For the 2007 model year, the top performers were the Acura RL, the Kia Amanti and the Volvo S80 (the Volvo S80 also won the Top Safety Pick award for superior safety in all categories of crash protection). The 2007 Cadillac STS and Mercedes E Class earned "Acceptable" ratings in the side-impact test. The BMW 5-Series was the worst performer in the luxury class, earning a "Marginal" rating for side-impact safety.
Institute officials point out that one of the most affordable vehicles, the Kia Amanti, earned a top rating, and one of the most expensive, the 5-Series, fared worst, proving that high price, alone, is no guarantee of the safety of a vehicle.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recommends that buyers of new cars ask themselves these key questions to ensure their safety and the safety of their passengers:
- "What features does this vehicle have that will help you avoid a crash? For example, does this vehicle have electronic stability control (ESC)?
- How well does this vehicle protect you during a crash? Does this vehicle have side air bag (SAB) head protection technology?
- What is the likelihood of this vehicle rolling over in a single-vehicle crash?
- What other types of advanced safety features does this vehicle have?"
The administration sponsors and maintains a website, SaferCar.Gov, to help prospective car buyers access reliable vehicle safety information.
Previously on the DC Metro Area Personal Injury Law Blog, we have posted articles related to:
- Automobile safety: Check your tires before you travel
- Tips for sharing the road with motorcyclists
- Reports of fake or faulty airbags in some used cars
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