Safety is always a top priority when people are in the market for a new car. When you spend your money on something you’ll be using on a daily basis, it is important to feel comfortable. With this being said, it can be difficult to figure out which vehicles you can feel the safest in. Nowadays, every company claims to make the safest vehicle, but how do you know which ones make the cut? Luckily, isure has everything you need to know when it comes to what makes a safe vehicle, and which cars are considered the safest.
What makes a vehicle safe?
To start, what exactly makes a vehicle safe? Essentially, the safer the vehicle is, the better chance you have of surviving a car accident. If a car accident happens, you’ll want to make sure you and your passengers are unharmed. There are a few things to look for when it comes to determining the safety of a vehicle, such as:
1. Structural design
The structural design of your vehicle can mean a lot when it comes to safety. Areas such as the safety cage, where the driver sits, should be strong enough to protect you and your passenger. On top of this, front and rear end of the car should be designed to buckle and bend to absorb any force. These areas of the car should force damage away from the safety cage, keeping you safe.
2. Vehicle size and weight
The laws of physics apply greatly when it comes to purchasing a safe vehicle. This states that larger and heavier vehicles are generally safer than lighter and smaller ones. This is proven by smaller cars having almost double the amount of occupant deaths a year compared to larger vehicles. Of course, you shouldn’t buy a larger vehicle simply because it’s considered safer. Many large vehicles can be prone to other issues, such as rolling over. So it’s important to find a safe vehicle that falls somewhere in between.
3. Crashworthiness
The “crashworthiness” of a vehicle is exactly how it sounds. The car’s design features, such as car front, sides and roof strength, can all play a huge factor in how safe a vehicle is. Generally speaking, ratings for most vehicle crashworthiness are available online, so it’s important to do your research before purchasing!
4. Restraint systems
Restraint systems refer to utilities in the car that provide safety for the driver. This includes seatbelts, air bags, and head restraints to keep you safe in case of an accident. These items are created to stabilize you and protect you in crashes that may result in you slamming into something hard or being ejected from the vehicle. It is important to purchase a vehicle that has multiple airbags, not just in the steering wheel.
For a full list of safety features, read our article here.
Which vehicles are the safest?
So, you’re looking for a vehicle and want to know where to begin your search. Now that we know what makes a vehicle safe, you may be asking which vehicles have what you’re looking for. According to ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), these are the top cars to look for when it comes to safety:
Small cars
- Honda Civic sedan and hatchback
- Mazda3 sedan and hatchback
- Toyota Corolla sedan and hatchback
Midsized cars
- Hyundai Sonata (built after December 2022)
- Subaru Legacy
- Lexus ES 350 (Luxury car)
SUV’s
- Mazda CX-30
- Mazda CX-5
- Mazda CX-50
- Nissan Rogue
- Subaru Forester
- Toyota RAV4
- Toyota Venza
- Ford Explorer
- Mazda CX-9
- Lincoln Nautilus (Luxury SUV)
Which vehicles get into the most accidents?
Now that you are aware of which vehicles are considered safest, you may be curious of the opposite; what cars get into the most accidents? Of course, these accidents don’t necessarily mean the vehicle stated is deemed unsafe. However, the IIHS has also taken note of which vehicles have gotten into the most accidents in the first half of 2023:
- Audi S4
- Scion iA
- Chevrolet Volt
- Hyundai Veloster N
- Toyota GR86
- Subaru WRX
- Subaru XV Crosstrek
- Chevrolet Silverado
- Kia Niro
- Subaru Impreza
Remember, having a good insurance plan is incredibly important when it comes to keeping yourself covered in the event of an accident. If you’re shopping for a new vehicle, make sure your insurance is up to date. At isure, we aim to provide you with the best rates in the province, as well as customer service you can always count on. Contact us or request a quote today!
