Top Safety Picks According to IIHS – Small Cars

By Car Accident Help on August 4, 2017 | Posted in: Law & Information

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) tests how vehicles perform in crashes and how well they protect their occupants.

The vehicles that are the best performers are Top Safety Picks. These are vehicles determined to be good in five crash tests: small front overlap, moderate front overlap, front, side, and strength of roof and head restraints. A vehicle that measures exceptionally is classified as a Top Safety Pick+. The models are placed into categories based on the type of vehicle and their size.

We will review the 2017 Top Safety Pick + rated models in the small car segment as follows:

• 2017 Chevrolet Volt

The Volt was restyled in the 2016 model year. The space for the driver held up well and the upper interior intrusion measured 7-8 cm. The dummy’s head made contact with the front airbag and the side airbag (curtain) provided good protection for the head. Possible injuries to the left tibia could occur. Measurements suggested that mild injuries would occur to the other critical body parts.

• 2017 Hyundai Elantra

The Elantra model was upgraded for 2017. Structural reinforcements were added between the door and pillar, and the front airbag unit offered improved safety for occupants. The driver space remained intact and upper interior intrusion was only 2-3 cm. Based on dummy injuries, a possible left lower leg injury may occur in severe crashes. The airbags performed well.

• 2017 Toyota Corolla

The 2017 models have a revamped front structure and the driver door frame was reinforced. The driver space remained intact and upper intrusion measured 3-4 cm. In severe crashes, a lower right leg injury is possible. The airbags performed safely and overall bodily injury likelihood was very low.

• 2017 Toyota Prius

The driver space remained well intact and the upper intrusion of interior was approximately 5 cm. Tests indicated a low risk for very damaging bodily injury. The front, curtain, and side airbags performed well overall.

IIHS rates vehicles as good, average, marginal, or poor in crashes from the front and side. Roof strength is evaluated for rollover safety. The crash safety of passenger vehicles has continued to improve in most aspects.

When negligent or careless drivers cause injuries to others, their insurance companies have support in place to work to protect their best interests. The legal team at Car Accident Help can be counted on to uphold justice on your behalf and strive to obtain the compensation that you deserve. Contact the office today at (405)-285-HELP [4357] for a complimentary case evaluation.