Safest Cars in 2016 as Rated by the IIHS
According to the CDC, in 2017, approximately 90 people have died each day from an automobile accident in the US thus far.
We were amazed by the amount of fatalities from car accidents that occur in the US so we decided to look into which cars were rated the safest in 2016.
This list can help you decide what car to buy in 2017.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Loss Data Institute rates cars every year and names their top picks.
IIHS conducts vehicle tests to determine crash-worthiness — how well a vehicle protects its occupants in a crash. They also rate vehicles for front crash prevention, systems that warn the driver or brake automatically to avoid or mitigate a frontal collision.
The vehicles that perform best in the tests qualify for Top Safety Pick, which has been awarded since the 2006 model year, or even better, Top Safety Pick PLUS, which was inaugurated in 2013.
The picks for the Top Safety Picks list are based on five crashworthiness tests that include – small overlap front, moderate overlap front, side, roof strength and head restraints. They also have a basic rating for front crash prevention.
To earn a spot in the Top Safety Pick PLUS(which is the cream of the crop), a vehicle must earn good ratings in the 5 tests and also an advanced or superior rating for front crash prevention.
5 cars listed in the Top Safety Picks list are:
The Kia Soul
The Chevrolet Sonic
The Honda Odyssey
The Toyota Highlander
The Nissan Rogue
5 cars listed in the Top Safety Picks PLUS are:
The Mini Cooper Hardtop 2-door
The Honda Civic 4-door
The Subaru WRX
The Ford Fusion
The Toyota RAV4
Cars that earn Top Safety Pick PLUS or Top Safety Pick are the best vehicle choices for safety within size categories. Size and weight influence one’s protection in serious crashes. Larger, heavier vehicles generally afford more protection than smaller, lighter cars. Thus, a small car that’s a Top Safety Pick PLUS or Top Safety Pick doesn’t necessarily afford more protection than a bigger car that doesn’t earn the award. It is important to do your research before buying a car as your life is very valuable.
