How to Evaluate Safety Ratings
Safety ratings are definitely something to consider when purchasing a new car, but how do you truly evaluate the safety of your vehicle using these ratings. Brandon Collision in Tampa is here with some help!
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) evaluates two parts of a vehicle’s safety: crashworthiness and crash avoidance and mitigation. Crashworthiness is how well a vehicle will protect you when you’re in a crash. Crash avoidance and mitigation is technology that can prevent a crash or lessen its severity.
Crashworthiness
When it comes to crashworthiness each vehicle rated by the IIHS is given a distinction of good, acceptable, marginal, or poor based on six distinct crash tests, including roof strength, head restraints and more. The rating your vehicle receives in crashworthiness is indicative of how your car, truck, or SUV will protect you and your family in the horrible event of a serious accident.
Crash Avoidance and Mitigation
If your vehicle has an available front crash prevention system, the IIHS rates them basic, advanced, or superior based on both the type of system and the tests that are done. The institute also tests headlights to give them a distinction of good, acceptable, marginal, or poor. The rating your vehicle receives in crash avoidance and mitigation indicates how well your vehicle will protect you from being in a serious accident.