When it comes to buying a car, safety may be your top priority. Whether you're commuting daily or taking a road trip, knowing how your vehicle handles a collision may be valuable information.
This is where auto safety ratings come in. These ratings can help evaluate how well a car does in a crash test and may document what safety features the vehicle has. Knowing what auto safety ratings mean can help you determine which vehicle on the market is best for you.
What are auto safety ratings?
Auto safety ratings are evaluations that can assess how a vehicle performs during crash tests and how it uses technology to help avoid collisions. These ratings have become a key part of the car-buying process and may help consumers navigate the safety aspects of different vehicles. Safety ratings are typically conducted by two major groups, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
Though crash tests can be an important part of testing a vehicle’s safety, these ratings are based on a combination of factors. Safety ratings may also look at features like lane departure warnings, forward collision warning, and electronic stability control.
Crash testing and safety ratings
The NHTSA typically uses a variety of crash tests to determine a vehicle’s safety ratings. These tests simulate real-world accidents to assess how well a vehicle can prevent injuries to its occupants. For example, there are frontal crash tests that simulate a head-on collision, side barrier tests to see how the car fares in a driver-side collision, and rollover resistance which can help evaluate how a vehicle manages a rollover situation. Automobile crash test safety rankings may provide valuable insights into a vehicle’s ability to withstand harsh impacts.
Understanding safety rating scales
Both NHTSA and IIHS use different scales to rate a vehicle's safety. The NHTSA uses a 5-Star Rating System, where a 5-star rating indicates excellent safety features that may reduce the likelihood of severe injury during a car crash. Vehicles rated 4 stars or lower can still have solid safety features but may not perform as well in certain scenarios.
On the other hand, the IIHS uses terms like “Top Safety Pick” to designate vehicles that excel in eight different test simulations. To earn this title, a vehicle may need to perform well in multiple tests including front-crash prevention, automatic seatbelt reminders, and side collision simulations. The rating scales from both organizations can help give drivers a clearer idea of how a vehicle manages certain hazards.
Importance of advanced safety features
Today’s cars may come equipped with a wider range of safety features that can help prevent accidents or mitigate their severity. These features can include anti-lock brakes, lane departure warnings, and automatic emergency braking.
This year, the NHTSA announced that it would include new advanced driver assistance technologies to its safety ratings assessment. This may help buyers get a more comprehensive analysis of a vehicle’s safety technology. If you’re planning to buy a car, it might be important to consider not only how it performs in crash tests but also the kind of tech it has that can help prevent accidents.
Why auto safety ratings can be important for consumers
When shopping for a new car, safety ratings may help you compare options and choose the vehicle that matches best with your needs. Higher-rated vehicles may keep drivers uninjured after an accident as well as offer monetary benefits. In certain situations, insurers may offer lower insurance rates for cars with specific safety features. Auto insurance companies may also have discounts for cars with designated safety equipment.
For families, safety ratings can be crucial, as parents may want a vehicle that has updated safety features and accident prevention technology. With many vehicles on the market today, these ratings can assist with a customer’s ability to make informed choices.
Insurance and safety ratings
Auto safety ratings may be an essential part of your car-buying process and can provide insights into how well a vehicle can help prevent injuries from a collision. If you're looking for a new car and need auto insurance, you can call Infinity Insurance Agency, Inc. 1-855-478-3705. Our agents can help you find coverage that fits your needs and budget.