It's a record-breaking year for the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Each year, the institute awards the Top Safety Picks for vehicle crash test performance, identifying models that meet high standards in crash testing and offer the best protection in all sorts of crashes.
This year, a whopping 34 machines earned top marks. Since 2007, automakers have more than doubled the number of vehicles that meet criteria for the award. The increase is attributed to safer new vehicle designs, and the addition of Electronic Stability Control (ESC) to new models.
ESC has been shown to significantly reduce the risk of a crash from happening in the first place, using a sophisticated computer system to modulate the car's brakes and engine power, in order to keep the vehicle travelling on its intended path rather than skidding.
Car and minivan models were eligible for the award, alongside small and mid-sized SUV's and small and large pickups.
It's front and side impacts that remain the killers, causing nearly 25,000 of 31,000 vehicle deaths in 2005. Choosing a car with great front-end and side-impact crash performance could save your life.
That doesn't mean rear-end crashes are to be taken likely. They're not the most fatal of collisions, though they do result in a large proportion of injuries- including neck strains and sprains.
So, who are the winners?
Audi's A3 and Honda's Accord take top marks in the midsize car category. Honda, alongside Ford, were awarded the most awards across their various brands. If you're looking for a smaller car, consider the Subaru Impreza with the optional stability control. In addition to its standard All Wheel Drive (AWD), Impreza is a sure bet when safety and confidence count in an affordable car.
For larger people and cargo hauling jobs, consider the Honda Odyssey- the IIHS's pick in the minivan segment for 2008. If it's an SUV you're after, Honda's Element, BMW's X3 and X5 all took home a Safety Pick award. Hyundai's Veracruz (built after Aug 2007), the Saturn Vue (built after December 2007) and Toyota's new Highlander also made the cut. Toyota's took home an award for the Tundra pickup, too.
If you value safety and security when driving, be sure to give these vehicles a good look as potential candidates for your next ride. The full list of winners is available below.
photo:Ford
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This year, a whopping 34 machines earned top marks. Since 2007, automakers have more than doubled the number of vehicles that meet criteria for the award. The increase is attributed to safer new vehicle designs, and the addition of Electronic Stability Control (ESC) to new models.
ESC has been shown to significantly reduce the risk of a crash from happening in the first place, using a sophisticated computer system to modulate the car's brakes and engine power, in order to keep the vehicle travelling on its intended path rather than skidding.
Car and minivan models were eligible for the award, alongside small and mid-sized SUV's and small and large pickups.
It's front and side impacts that remain the killers, causing nearly 25,000 of 31,000 vehicle deaths in 2005. Choosing a car with great front-end and side-impact crash performance could save your life.
That doesn't mean rear-end crashes are to be taken likely. They're not the most fatal of collisions, though they do result in a large proportion of injuries- including neck strains and sprains.
So, who are the winners?
Audi's A3 and Honda's Accord take top marks in the midsize car category. Honda, alongside Ford, were awarded the most awards across their various brands. If you're looking for a smaller car, consider the Subaru Impreza with the optional stability control. In addition to its standard All Wheel Drive (AWD), Impreza is a sure bet when safety and confidence count in an affordable car.
For larger people and cargo hauling jobs, consider the Honda Odyssey- the IIHS's pick in the minivan segment for 2008. If it's an SUV you're after, Honda's Element, BMW's X3 and X5 all took home a Safety Pick award. Hyundai's Veracruz (built after Aug 2007), the Saturn Vue (built after December 2007) and Toyota's new Highlander also made the cut. Toyota's took home an award for the Tundra pickup, too.
If you value safety and security when driving, be sure to give these vehicles a good look as potential candidates for your next ride. The full list of winners is available below.
| Large cars Audi A6 Ford Taurus with optional ESC Mercury Sable with optional ESC Volvo S80 Midsize cars Audi A3, A4 Honda Accord Saab 9-3 Subaru Legacy with optional ESC Midsize convertibles Saab 9-3 Volvo C70 Small car Subaru Impreza with optional ESC Minivans Honda Odyssey Hyundai Entourage Kia Sedona | Midsize SUVs Acura MDX, RDX BMW X3, X5 Ford Edge, Taurus X Honda Pilot Hyundai Santa Fe Hyundai Veracruz built after August 2007 Lincoln MKX Mercedes M class Saturn VUE built after December 2007 Subaru Tribeca Toyota Highlander Volvo XC90 Small SUVs Honda CR-V, Element Subaru Forester with optional ESC Large pickup Toyota Tundra |
photo:Ford