Last year in America, automakers sold 17.5 million cars and light trucks. Analysts predict future auto sales should continue to rise through 2016. If you are thinking about purchasing a new car, chances are you are looking for a vehicle that is safe, reliable, gets good gas mileage and is easy on both the eyes and the budget. One question that often arises concerning vehicle safety is whether “bigger is better”.
Without a doubt, smaller cars are less expensive, easier to park and get better gas mileage than larger cars; but, are those savings offset by increased safety risks? The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety reports that the likelihood of a person being killed in a crash varies with vehicle size. Occupants in smaller, lighter vehicles are at greater risk of injury and death than those in larger vehicles. Why? Larger vehicles have longer hoods and larger crush zones which gives them the safety advantage over smaller cars. Bottom line? More structure generally means more protection for the vehicle’s occupants.
The good news is that small cars are now safer than ever. If you decide to buy a smaller car, purchase one that scores well in the National Highway Transportation Safety and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety tests. If you do, your chances of avoiding serious injury or death significantly improve. A 2005 IIHS study determined that if you are driving in a car that earned a “POOR” rating and are hit by a car that was rated “GOOD”, you are 4 times more likely to be killed than the other driver. This fact holds true for large cars, small cars and all car models in-between!
Do your research before you buy and remember, even though bigger cars are safer than smaller cars, the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration has determined that 90% of all car crashes occur due to driver error and behavior. The type of car you choose to drive is important, but how you drive is the best way to minimize risk and increase driver safety.
Last year in America, automakers sold 17.5 million cars and light trucks. Analysts predict future auto sales should continue to rise through 2016. If you are thinking about purchasing a new car, chances are you are looking for a vehicle that is safe, reliable, gets good gas mileage and is easy on both the eyes and the budget. One question that often arises concerning vehicle safety is whether “bigger is better”.
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Without a doubt, smaller cars are less expensive, easier to park and get better gas mileage than larger cars; but, are those savings offset by increased safety risks? The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety reports that the likelihood of a person being killed in a crash varies with vehicle size. Occupants in smaller, lighter vehicles are at greater risk of injury and death than those in larger vehicles. Why? Larger vehicles have longer hoods and larger crush zones which gives them the safety advantage over smaller cars. Bottom line? More structure generally means more protection for the vehicle’s occupants.
The good news is that small cars are now safer than ever. If you decide to buy a smaller car, purchase one that scores well in the National Highway Transportation Safety and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety tests. If you do, your chances of avoiding serious injury or death significantly improve. A 2005 IIHS study determined that if you are driving in a car that earned a “POOR” rating and are hit by a car that was rated “GOOD”, you are 4 times more likely to be killed than the other driver. This fact holds true for large cars, small cars and all car models in-between!
Do your research before you buy and remember, even though bigger cars are safer than smaller cars, the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration has determined that 90% of all car crashes occur due to driver error and behavior. The type of car you choose to drive is important, but how you drive is the best way to minimize risk and increase driver safety.
Lance Youd is a personal injury attorney in Salem, Oregon. If you’ve been injured in a car accident, contact our law offices today.
