Introduction.
New estimates put the annual death toll from traffic accidents at 1.35 million people worldwide. It’s possible you or an individual you know has been in a car accident and needed to make car accident injury claim, witnessed one, or narrowly avoided one.
Your risk of being in a collision, especially with severe or catastrophic consequences, is primarily determined by your vehicle.
Consequently, people should all be vigilant about finding methods to improve road safety and reduce the likelihood of collisions. Drivers may keep the roads safer by always following the speed limits and other restrictions and choosing vehicles built to the highest safety standards.
The likelihood of being involved in an accident can be drastically reduced by purchasing and driving a safe vehicle.
What Exactly Are Safe Cars?
Many current cars are far safer to operate than their ancestors because of the many safety-enhancing upgrades they have received. As a rule of thumb, the safest cars are the ones that provide the most protection in the event of a collision.
Safety as assessed by The Insurance Institute For Highway Safety (IIHS)
Nobody knows more about automobile safety in the United States than the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). What they recommend for ensuring your family’s safety when traveling by car is detailed below.
Protection From Frontal Impacts.
Ensure it has passed frontal impact tests with flying colors. Most modern vehicles pass with flying colors in both the government’s head-on, 35 mph test into a rigid barrier and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s moderate overlap, 40 mph test into a deformable barrier when it comes to frontal crashworthiness.
The IIHS gives adequate or good ratings to most newer vehicles for protection in a small overlap front crash.
Protection From Side Impacts
Pick a car that has a high side rating and side airbags to keep your head safe. The IIHS evaluates vehicles based on testing that mimics head-on collisions, and different types of collateral damage are simulated in the testing.
There is a 70% reduction in fatalities for drivers involved in driver-side crashes using vehicles that scored well in the IIHS side-barrier test. Most cars produced in 2008 and later come equipped with side airbags as standard gear.
Roof Integrity
It would help if you tried to find a place with a sturdy ceiling. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) assigns ratings to vehicle roofs based on how well they withstand a rollover incident. Rollover fatalities and serious injuries can be prevented by vehicles with sturdy roofs. Ratings for cars didn’t start until the 2008-2009 model years.
Head Restraints
Whiplash can be prevented by selecting a vehicle with a high rating for its seats and head restraints, which can help in the event of a rear-end collision. Less than half as many insurance claims are filed for neck injuries in vehicles with good IIHS ratings for seat/head restraint combinations as in cars with low ratings.
You can aid boost safety by modifying the head restraint to suit your head adequately.
Enhanced Safety Thanks to Electronic Stability Control
If you want peace of mind when driving, invest in a car with electronic stability control. It’s the norm for vehicles released in 2012 and beyond, although many older models also provide it as an option. ESC is an enhancement of antilock brakes that kicks in automatically to help drivers keep their footing on icy roads and around tight turns.
The probability of death in a single-vehicle accident is cut in half by ESC, while the chance of dying in a rollover accident is cut by as much as 80%.
Car Weight
The sweet spot for vehicle safety is between 3,500 and 4,500 pounds. The driver is protected in crashes with heavier vehicles like full-size SUVs, and the occupants of smaller, lighter vehicles like compact cars are not in further danger.
In general, smaller, lighter vehicles are less secure than their larger, heavier counterparts. When a heavier vehicle collides with a lighter one, the occupants of both cars are subjected to greater crash forces.
If you are in the market for an automobile, you should prioritize safety. Some examples are provided below;
1. The 2021 Genesis G70 Sedan
The 2021 Genesis G70 luxury sedan is an excellent choice if you need a small car with a high safety rating.
It has a strong crash test rating and weighs over 3500 pounds (5 out of 5 for reliability). When it comes to frontal collisions between cars, this vehicle excels.
The 2021 Genesis G70 sedan also includes the following safety equipment
- Detecting pedestrians
- In-car health diagnostics system
- A display that shows everything around you
- Avoiding rear-ending vehicles in the cross-traffic lanes
- Automatic headlights with intelligent sensor technology
2. The 2021 Volvo XC90
Volvo has long been regarded for making automobiles that are safe and reliable. The 2021 Volvo XC90 AWD is a very secure vehicle produced by a reliable manufacturer.
It has space for seven people and weighs around 4,500 pounds. It’s a pleasure to drive, and the insulated cabin makes for a relaxing journey. In addition to being a top pick for safety by the IIHS, the Volvo XC90 is also a top pick for luxury.
The Volvo XC90 has several safety options.
- Parking sensors in the front
- Taillights that can adapt to a curve
- There are two airbags on each side of the front seats.
- Anti-blind-spot systems
- Lane-keeping assistance.
3. Honda Accord, 2021
The 2021 Honda Accord is an economical and safe family vehicle.
Despite being a bit light at 3105 pounds, the Honda Accord offers drivers a perfectly balanced driving experience that makes it perfect for short and long excursions. If you are seeking a light, family-safe car, you should consider it.
Some safety features of the 2021 Honda Accord are;
- Equipped with an automatic brake system for sudden stops
- Automatic lane-keeping aid
- Anti-lock braking system
- Enhanced safety thanks to electronic stability control
- Cars with daytime running lights.
4. 2021 Mazda CX-30
If you want a safe SUV, the Mazda CX-30 is another option. It’s a comfortable car with 5 seats, weighing 3400 lbs, and drives well.
The Mazda CX-30 offers an excellent cabin with standard safety features, including;
- Keeping tabs on drivers’ focus
- Warning of impending collisions in front
- Enhanced safety thanks to electronic stability control
- Protection from side impacts by using beams
- Traction aid for off-road use.
5. 2021 Toyota Highlander
This compact crossover SUV is yet another reliable option for families. The Highlander’s maximum capacity is 8, weighing just over 4300 pounds.
The Highlander has a variety of safety features, including;
- Warning of impending collisions in front
- Recognizing Traffic Signs
- Identifying pedestrians
- Assisted lane keeping
- The brakes in an emergency are automatic.
Who Needs to Invest in a Reliable Safety Vehicle?
If you have a family member, such as a newly licensed teen, whose safety on the road you are particularly concerned about, you may want to invest in a reliable and safe vehicle for them.
Similarly, suppose you’re in the market for a reliable family automobile to take your kids to and from school and extracurricular activities. In that case, finding one that meets safety standards is in everyone’s best interest.
Also, whether you prefer long drives and road trips or even just cruising in a nice car, it is essential to ensure you are protected. It’s important to remember that even the safest vehicle on the road is no guarantee against collisions.
To ascertain the safety of everyone on the road, drivers should refrain from reckless actions like speeding, drinking, and driving. Safety automobiles are an intelligent bet on protecting yourself and your loved ones while driving.
