Key Factors That Ensure Vehicle Safety
Discover the key elements that make cars safe, including crash tests, safety features, and technological advancements. Learn how vehicles are evaluated to ensure passenger protection and which models excel in safety standards in 2017. Prioritize safety in your vehicle choice with insights into essential safety assessments and innovative features designed to protect occupants during accidents.
Modern vehicles boast sleek designs, powerful engines, luxurious interiors, and cutting-edge technological features that appeal to drivers. However, passenger safety remains the top priority for automakers. Significant investments are made annually to develop advanced safety systems that detect hazards, prevent accidents, and protect occupants on the road.
According to evaluations by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), some of the safest vehicles of 2017 include:
Chevrolet Volt
Mazda 3
Volkswagen Jetta
Audi A4
Lexus RC
Toyota RAV4
Honda Pilot
Acura MDX
Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class
Chrysler Pacifica
Honda Ridgeline
Vehicles are evaluated through multiple crash tests, including the moderate overlap frontal test, small overlap frontal test, side impact, roof strength, and head restraint assessments.
The frontal tests simulate head-on collisions with different impact zones, while side impact tests evaluate the vehicle's ability to absorb side collisions. Roof strength tests ensure the car's structural integrity during rollovers. Head restraint assessments focus on protecting occupants' necks in crashes.
If a vehicle meets these standards, it earns its place on the list of safest cars. Additional crash prevention features are tested to determine if the vehicle's systems can prevent frontal collisions naturally. Headlights are also evaluated for brightness and visibility, ensuring drivers can spot obstacles well in advance.
As technology advances, automakers continuously develop enhanced safety features annually. When purchasing a new vehicle, prioritize safety by choosing models equipped with the latest protective systems to safeguard lives on the road.
