By: Car accidents can occur at any time but, sometimes, the vehicle that you drive and its safety features can play a role in highway safety or accident prevention. Some cars have more advanced safety systems than others.
New cars are evaluated for car safety using crash test procedures and safety ratings from organizations like the IIHS and NHTSA, which help consumers compare safety performance.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration play crucial roles in evaluating vehicle safety, providing consumers with essential information through their rigorous testing programs and safety ratings. Many shoppers consider car safety and crash test results when choosing a new vehicle.
Yet, with so many car models available nowadays, it’s hard to choose one over another. However, here are a couple of brands you can rely on when it comes to safety. New vehicles are regularly assessed for safety by organizations like IIHS and NHTSA.
Volvo
Volvo is a car company that has been active since the 1920s and is known for the prioritization of safety features in its vehicles. Several of their cars incorporate advanced safety technologies, including collision avoidance systems, comprehensive airbag systems, and pedestrian detection technologies. Even in the base trim, Volvo models come equipped with essential safety features such as driver-attention monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high-beam headlights, providing strong value for safety-conscious buyers. The Volvo XC40 model, for example, received the rank of the Safest Pick out of all small SUV vehicles in 2021, making it one of the safest vehicles in America. Volvo’s standard safety features include advanced technologies such as automated driving assistance and collision avoidance systems, which contribute significantly to their reputation as well-rounded vehicles in terms of safety, performance, and value.
Subaru
If there is a car brand known for its reliable safety performance, then it is Subaru. Subaru’s vehicles often come with various safety features such as EyeSight driver-assistance technology, or all-wheel drive (AWD). The Subaru Ascent, one of the top-rated midsize suvs for safety, received an ‘acceptable rating’ in the IIHS front impact moderate overlap test based on the updated moderate overlap crash test criteria, but still achieved a Top Safety Pick+ award. Subaru’s standard all-wheel drive enhances safety and stability. Apart from reliable safety features, Subaru car models are also known for their strong structural designs. They provide enhanced crash protection. Among the top safest winners in 2022 were the Subaru Ascent, Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid, Subaru Legacy, and Subaru Outback models.
Tesla Electric Cars
Tesla is a relative newcomer in the world of automobiles, being active only since 2008, but the models under this brand have gained recognition for their advanced safety features and autonomous driving capabilities.
Among the best safety features that Tesla car models possess include the automatic emergency braking system and collision avoidance system, but there are also active safety systems present in these vehicles, such as Autopilot, employed to assist with steering and braking when needed. These technologies not only improve safety but also enhance the overall driving experience by providing smoother handling and greater driver confidence. Tesla’s safety evaluations often include rigorous crash tests to ensure the highest standards of crashworthiness. Tesla’s electric cars are known for their advanced safety features and high safety ratings. One of the safest Tesla car models is the Tesla Model Y mid-sized electric SUV, which is considered one of the safest electric SUVs available. It received a 5-star rating on all in every category of the NHTSA in 2020.
Audi
There isn’t a car brand that combines luxury and safety as well as Audi. Audi vehicles feature various advanced safety technologies, such as lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, or the Audi Pre-Sense system, which can detect potential collisions and prepare the vehicle for impact. Audi models come with a robust suite of standard features that enhance both safety and comfort, including a comprehensive list of safety systems and convenience amenities. Audi’s advanced driver-assistance systems also include the availability of highway driving assist in select models, providing added safety and convenience for long highway journeys. Audi’s models are among the top-rated SUVs for safety. Some of the Audi car models that won the top safety pick in 2023 include the Audi Q4 e-tron, Audi Q4 Sportback e-tron, Audi Q5, Audi Q5 Sportback, and Audi Q8.
Mercedes-Benz
Mercedes-Benz was founded in 1926, and since then, this luxury car brand has had decades of experience in combining luxury with safety. Mercedes-Benz cars often feature advanced driver-assistance systems, such as the pre-collision braking feature, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and rear parking sensors, all of which are included as standard equipment. These features offer better protection in the event of a crash, helping to improve overall safety ratings. Mercedes-Benz’s models excel in crash prevention tests conducted by safety organizations. Among the safest Mercedes-Benz car models are the 2021 and 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE SUVs, both of which received five stars for safety by the NHTSA.
Toyota
Toyota is a car brand known for its commitment to safety and which has many vehicles performing extremely well in crash tests. Toyota car models come with a variety of safety features, such as Toyota Safety Sense, which encapsulates technologies such as lane departure alerts, automatic high beams, pre-collision systems, and road departure mitigation. Toyota’s safety equipment includes advanced technologies that enhance overall safety. Among the safest Toyota car models in the U.S., according to the IIHS, are the Toyota Avalon, Toyota Camry, Toyota Corolla, and the Toyota Corolla Hatchback.
Honda
Many car models from Honda are known for their reliability and safety. Some of them come with Honda Sensing, a suite of driver assistance technologies that includes lane keep assist, collision mitigation braking systems, and adaptive cruise control features. Honda models are also equipped with a range of active safety features to enhance driver and passenger safety. Additionally, Honda’s models include traffic sign recognition as part of their safety suite. Some of the safest Honda car models include the Honda Civic 4-door sedan and Honda Accord.
Ford
Another legendary car brand known for its safe vehicles is Ford. Over the years, the company has increasingly focused its attention on improving safety across its vehicle lineups. Many Ford models now come with advanced safety features, such as reverse automatic emergency braking, which is part of the Ford Co-Pilot360 suite. Ford’s models also come with standard safety tech that enhances overall safety, including features such as blind-spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking systems, and lane-keeping assist. Ford SUVs earn high safety scores and awards from organizations like IIHS and NHTSA, reflecting their strong safety performance in rigorous testing. Among the safest Ford vehicles are the small Ford Bronco Sport 4-door and Ford Escape 4-door SUVs, the mid-sized Ford Edge 4-door SUV, and the large Ford F-150 Crew cab pickup. Compared to competitors, Ford SUVs offer competitive cargo space, making them practical choices for families who need both safety and ample storage capacity.
Jeep
The Jeep brand is often seen on US roads across the nation. The newest models from Jeep come with various safety advancements such as rearview cameras, blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, and rear cross traffic alert to emphasize driver safety even more. Recent updates also focus on improving protection for back seat passengers, with enhanced safety features designed to meet new standards for rear-seat occupant safety. Jeep’s models excel in crash testing conducted by safety organizations like the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), showing strong performance in rollover resistance evaluations. Additionally, the curb weight of Jeep models plays a significant role in their safety ratings and vehicle classification, as NHTSA uses curb weight to categorize vehicles by class and weight. Some of the safest Jeep vehicles in the US include the Jeep Grand Cherokee, Jeep Wagoneer, and Jeep Grand Wagoneer.
What to Do If You Are Involved in a Car Accident
There are plenty of car models to choose from when it comes to advanced safety features, making safety a top priority for shoppers. Although new technologies aim to aid safety and accident prevention, no matter what type of car you choose to drive, nothing can absolutely guarantee your safety. If you get into an accident, you should know exactly how to proceed and pursue a claim.
Consumer Reports provides valuable safety ratings and evaluations that can help consumers make informed decisions.
Even if you are partly at fault for a car accident, you are still entitled to compensation in California under the state’s comparative negligence laws. This is why it is crucial to contact a car accident attorney after you have been in an auto wreck.A car accident lawyer can help you explore your legal options and hold the responsible parties liable for their negligence. If you are severely injured or have experienced extensive property damage, an attorney can give you a fighting chance at maximizing your compensation amount. At The Roberts | Jeandron Law Firm, we take pride in our relentlessness to bring justice to car accident victims. Let one of our dedicated personal injury attorneys in California help you in your time of need. We can give you a fighting chance of maximizing your compensation award. You deserve justice no matter what kind of car you drive.