Owning a safe vehicle is a top priority for most parents and other individuals. In fact, more than 65 percent of consumers value safety over quality, price and performance. Each year, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) completes independent crash tests and analyzes the safety of the year's most popular models. This year, auto manufacturers have introduced a variety of active safety features that could help prevent accidents. New safety features include lane-departure warnings, active headlights, blind-spot monitors, and collision avoidance systems that automatically activate the brakes when a pedestrian or vehicle is in the roadway.
In Ohio and across the nation, automobile accidents are at an all-time low, but there is still a significant risk of being involved in a fatal crash. For individuals between ages 3 and 34, vehicle accidents are the leading cause of death. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, more than 32,000 people died due to vehicle-related injuries in 2010. This means that one fatal auto accident occurs every 16 seconds. Plus, whiplash and minor injuries occur more frequently. Medical care and economic losses due to lost wages cost the nation more than $99 billion each year.
In 2012, a record-breaking number of vehicles earned the IIHS "Top Safety Pick." This list includes 69 sedans, 38 SUVs, and three pickup trucks. These vehicles were graded on their ability to withstand front-end crashes, side-impact crashes, rollovers and rear-end crashes. Here are a few popular vehicles that made the cut:
- Audi's redesigned A6 sedan, A3 midsize, A4 sedan
- Infiniti's sporty EX35 crossover SUV, high-tech Infiniti M37/M56,
- Volvo's S60 sedan, S80 sedan, XC60 crossover SUV
- Honda Fit, Ridgeline, Accord
- Hyundai Elantra, Sonata, Tucson
- Subaru Outback, Legacy, Forester
- Toyota Corolla, Prius, Highlander
- Nissan Cube, Juke, Leaf
- Ford Fusion, Flex, Edge
- Dodge Durango, Journey, Grand Caravan
- Buick Regal, LaCrosse, Enclave
While advanced safety features aren't a substitute for attentive driving, they can help reduce the number of fatal crashes or help drivers avoid collisions completely. Dangerous vehicles and inattentive drivers cause debilitating injuries. If you've been involved in an auto accident and didn't recover the compensation you deserve, contact a local Ohio personal injury attorney today.
- See more at: https://nrsinjurylaw.com/blog/the-safest-cars-of-2012/#sthash.AXQ2dpM3.dpuf
