There were 13.6 million new light-duty vehicles sold in 2022, and a further 39 million used vehicles. Buying a car is exciting, but it’s important not to let the thrill of ownership overshadow safety considerations. The vehicle you choose will impact how well you’d fare in an accident. Before purchasing a new or used car, keep these 5 key things in mind about car accidents. Are you ready to start with newsforshopping?
A Car’s Safety Ratings Matter
With 39,508 fatal accidents in 2021, one of the most important things to consider when buying a car is the vehicle’s safety ratings. Cars are rated on crash tests that measure how well they protect occupants in frontal, side, and rollover crashes. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) both conduct these tests and issue overall safety scores. Vehicles with high safety ratings are proven to better protect passengers in the event of an accident. Features like airbags, anti-lock brakes, and electronic stability control also boost safety. So, be sure to research safety scores and inspect safety features before purchasing a car.
The cars with the best safety ratings in 2024 are:
- Small car – Acura Integra
- Midsized car – Honda Accord
- Large luxury car – Genesis Electrified G80
- Small SUV – Genesis GV60
- Midsized SUV – Ford Explorer
Bigger and Heavier Vehicles Are Safer
In a collision between two vehicles, the larger and heavier one will generally hold up better and protect its occupants more than the smaller, lighter vehicle. This is due to the basic laws of physics – a larger mass can better absorb the energy from an impact than a smaller one. That’s why heavy SUVs and trucks tend to perform better in crashes than subcompact cars. However, smaller vehicles often handle and brake better than larger ones, allowing more opportunity to avoid collisions. So, size and weight are not the only factors, but they do play an important role in occupant protection.
Drive the Safest Car You Can Afford
The more you spend on a new car, the more advanced safety features you can get. For example, high-end vehicles offer technology like automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross traffic alerts. These features help prevent or mitigate accidents. However, you don’t have to buy luxury to get key safety gear. Many affordable new cars have high crash test ratings and come equipped with life-saving systems like electronic stability control and front airbags. So, get the safest car within your budget.
Maintain Safety After Purchase
Once you buy a car, don’t neglect safety. Follow the maintenance schedule in the owner’s manual. Replace worn brakes, tires and batteries. Get all recommended repairs done right away. Make sure headlights, brake lights, turn signals, and windshield wipers are functioning properly. Don’t ignore recalls – they often address safety defects. And keep the vehicle well-maintained for as long as you own it. Taking care of your car will help it take care of you in the event of a crash.
Following a car accident, you might experience feelings of uncertainty and overwhelm and wonder why hire a car accident lawyer. If you’re unlucky enough to be in a crash despite following our tips, a lawyer will ensure you get the compensation you need to recoup your losses. It will also help you buy a new, safer car. While no car can prevent accidents, smart shopping allows you to minimize risks.
