Car Safety Ratings: A Crash Course
Manufacturers often use car safety ratings in marketing their top models, especially for vehicles targeted at families. These ratings greatly influence consumer purchasing decisions and, ultimately, the safety of all drivers on the road. We did some digging to better understand how these ratings are measured and how much they should determine your purchasing decision.
How Are Car Safety Ratings Determined?
In the US, vehicle safety ratings are set by two organizations using slightly different tests and rating scales.
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) uses a five-star rating system earned through a series of crash tests. Their normal process includes frontal, side, and side pole crash tests, plus a rollover resistance evaluation. The results are compiled to create an overall vehicle score.
National Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS)
The IIHS is a non-profit funded by the insurance industry that evaluates vehicle safety. They use similar tests to evaluate safety, including a small overlap frontal test (where only a portion of the vehicle’s front end strikes a barrier), a moderate overlap test, and a side impact test. It also uses crash dummies to estimate occupant injury risks.
The IIHS uses a different rating system for all its testing, assigning scores as Good, Acceptable, Marginal, and Poor. They also test for a vehicle’s crash mitigation technologies, rated as Superior, Advanced, or Basic.
Vehicles in Elite Company
The IIHS releases a “Top Safety Pick” award each year to cars with the best safety ratings in their class. Over the past several years, the IIHSS has steadily increased its testing criteria, with fewer models meeting the more stringent benchmarks.
What Cars Have the Highest Safety Ratings?
There are dozens of top-performing models to choose from across several categories, including the Honda Accord, Mazda 3, and Ford Mustang Mach 3. The full list is updated annually.
What Car Has the Worst Safety Rating?
Finding low-rated vehicles is often difficult, but you can search the NHTSA database for vehicles with multiple 2-star or fewer ratings. Some industry publications track the cars with poor scores and update those lists regularly. You’ll find some surprising models, including the Cadillac Escalade, Lincoln MKS, and Dodge Journey, among many other models.
Stay Safe on the Road with Garfield Auto
No matter what you drive, keeping your vehicle in great condition is the best way to stay safe. Trust Garfield Auto for thorough tune-ups, professional repairs, and old-fashioned customer service. Find out why Northern Michigan trusts Garfield Auto; call (231) 929-3862 or drop us a line to schedule an appointment today!