For years, drivers have asked themselves the question, "Is a safer car worth the money?" The dent in your wallet may have deterred from shelling out a little extra for a safer car in the past, but studies show that doing so can prevent deadly crashes later down the line. But once you've made the decision to spend extra, how do you know which vehicles are actually the safest?
Fortunately, drivers have numerous resources available to them when choosing their next vehicle. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) in particular is an example of one such resource. Each year, the IIHS releases a list of their top vehicle safety picks. Inclusion on the list is based on rigorous assessments and strict criteria.
The IIHS also noted that car accident fatalities decreased in 2012 as a result of the safety improvements made to vehicles since 1985. Air bags especially have been a key factor in survival rates when a car accident does occur.
But it's more than just air bags. The IIHS rates their top safety picks based on roof strength, side strength, and head restraints. The best of the best also earn superior ratings for front crash prevention, a serious factor in today's car accidents.
Which cars made the list?
The list of top safety picks is separated into different categories according to a vehicle's size, including small cars, small SUVs, and large luxury cars. According to the IIHS, the larger and heavier a vehicle, the safer it is generally going to be.
A sampling of the vehicles included on the Top Safety Pick List are:
- Kia Soul
- Nissan Sentra
- Toyota Prius
- Subaru Legacy
- Chevrolet Equinox
- Lexus RC
- Toyota Sienna
- Honda CRV
When it comes down to it, the car you choose has a huge impact on your safety, but it can't always ward of the negligence of other drivers. Even the safest drivers get into accidents caused by the carelessness of others behind the wheel. If you were recently involved in a car accident triggered by another individual, don't let them walk away without first holding them accountable.
At Cope, Zebro & Crawford, P.L., our car accident attorneys fight aggressively on behalf of injured victims in Clearwater and the surrounding areas. We would be honored to do the same for you. Get in touch with us today for the personal representation you need.