How Safe is Your Car?
Before applying for an auto loan it’s better to check how safe the particular model car is. Thousands of people are killed or injured in road traffic accidents every year. How safe is the new or used vehicle you are driving in terms of crash test ratings? Find out more about safety ratings here:
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is an agency of the Executive Branch of the U.S. Government, part of the Department of Transportation. It provides safety information for a large number of vehicles through their New Car Assessment Program (US-NCAP). The purpose of this agency is to save lives, prevent injuries, reduce vehicle-related crashes.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) rates vehicle safety as good, acceptable, marginal, or poor based on performance in high-speed front and side crash tests as well as seat/head restraints used for protection from neck injuries in the event of rear impact.
A Top Safety Pick Award is only given to good ratings in all three Institute tests. Winning vehicles must offer Electronic Stability Control. Research indicates that ESC significantly reduces crash risk, by helping drivers maintain control of their vehicles during emergency moves.
2008 Top Safety Pick award winners include:
1. Large cars
Ø Audi A6
Ø Cadillac CTS
Ø Ford Taurus with optional ESC
Ø Mercury Sable with optional ESC
Ø Volvo S80
2. Midsize cars
Ø Acura TSX 2009 models
Ø Audi A3
Ø Audi A4
Ø Honda Accord 4-door models
Ø Saab 9-3 and Subaru Legacy with optional ESC
3. Midsize convertibles
Ø Saab 9-3
Ø Volvo C70
4. Small car
Ø Subaru Impreza with optional ESC
5. Minivans
Ø Honda Odyssey
Ø Hyundai Entourage
Ø Kia Sedona
6. Midsize SUVs
Ø Acura MDX
Ø Acura RDX
Ø BMW X3
Ø BMW X5
Ø Ford Edge
Ø Ford Taurus X
Ø Honda Pilot
Ø Hyundai Santa Fe
Ø Hyundai Veracruz after August 2007
Ø Infiniti EX35
Ø Lincoln MKX
Ø Mercedes M class
Ø Nissan Murano 2009 models
Ø Saturn VUE after December 2007
Ø Subaru Tribeca
Ø Toyota Highlander
Ø Volvo XC90
7. Small SUVs
Ø Honda CR-V
Ø Honda Element
Ø Subaru Forester 2009 models
8. Large pickup
Ø Toyota Tundra
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Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - How Safe is Your Car?