The safest new cars to buy
It can be exciting to buy a new car! Going on test drives, seeing all the new bells and whistles, picking out a color, and imagining your future behind the wheel can be fun aspects of the car buying process. When it’s all said and done, however, safety should be your top priority when picking out a new whip.
Safety features to look for
The automobile industry is always looking for ways to increase the safety of their products. Consider the features outlined below when deciding which car is right for you.
Advanced driver-assistance systems, or ADAS, are tools that assist the driver. Features like cameras, sensors, and radars can be used to stay informed on your surroundings in order to avoid hazards on the road. Other forms of ADAS include lane departure warnings, blind spot detection, rear automatic braking, adaptive cruise control, and forward collision warning with autobrake. Not only do these technologies reduce the risk of crashes, they also can decrease insurance claim rates.
The National Safety Council has statistics on just how impactful ADAS are when it comes to risk mitigation. Pedestrian detection technology has decreased pedestrian crashes by 27% and pedestrian injuries by 30%. Rear automatic braking has decreased backing related crashes by 78% and claim rates for damages to other vehicles by 28%. Forward collision warnings have reduced front-to-rear crashes by 50% and claim rates for damages to other vehicles by 14%. It’s important to note that these technologies are designed to help drivers reduce their risk, not to take over the task of driving.
Airbag systems are crucial components of car safety. Newer cars have more strategic placement of airbags in order to protect the driver and passengers.
Automobile manufactures can determine the crashworthiness of a vehicle, which is the “focus on occupant protection to reduce the number of fatal and serious injuries that occur” in the event of an accident. By researching and understanding crash data, manufacturers can design cars to better absorb crash forces by including reinforced frames and strategically placed crumple zones.
Traction and stability control systems can increase your car’s ability to effectively grip the road. When purchasing a car, consider the environments that you’ll be driving in – electronic stability control (ESC), all-wheel drive, and anti-lock braking systems (ABS) may be worth investing in depending on your driving habits.
Data shows that motor vehicle crashes are the primary cause of death for children 4 and older, which has led to an increase in child safety features. Child restraint systems (CRS), lower anchors and tethers for children (LATCH) systems, and rear-seat reminders are all modern features that can increase the safety of your children.
A lot of new cars come equipped with emergency response systems that will notify police and emergency medical services if an accident occurs. Sometimes response time can be the difference between life or death, so features that increase emergency response times can be lifesaving.
While improved safety features can mitigate the risk of injury or death on the road, it is impossible to guarantee safety. Driving is inherently dangerous, and nobody is immune to accidents. Make sure to stay alert when behind the wheel and abide by traffic laws.
What are the top five safest cars on the market?
Now that you know what features to look for during your hunt for a new vehicle, where should you begin? The following cars are currently considered some of the safest on the market, and make great options for yourself and your loved ones:
- Volvo XC90. Volvo has always been a company committed to driver safety, and their XC90 model boasts an impressive array of safety features.
- Subaru Outback. The Subaru Outback comes standard with all-wheel drive and Subaru’s Eyesight Driver Assist Technology, which includes the latest and greatest in ADAS. (https://www.subaru.com/eyesight.html)
- Toyota Camry. Newer models of the Toyota Camry come with Toyota Safety Sense, which is their collection of ADAS technology. Coupled with their crash test ratings, the Camry is a great option for safety-conscious families. ()
- Honda CR-V. The Honda CR-V is an extremely popular compact SUV that includes the Honda Sensing suite of ADAS. (https://automobiles.honda.com/sensing)
- Mazda CX-5. The Mazda CX-5 is a stylish and safe compact SUV equipped with i-Activsense technology. (https://www.mazda.com/en/archives/safety2/i-activsense/)
What to do after a car accident
Driving is inherently dangerous, and even “safe” cars can be involved in an accident. If you or a loved one are injured in an auto accident, make sure to contact an experienced legal team as soon as you’re able to.
The team at Martin Hernandez Law Office takes safety seriously, and is ready and willing to help you recover after an accident. Set up a free consultation with our professional and bilingual staff by calling 813.755.9500 today.
