A recent study done by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) looked at driver fatality rates in 2009-2012 model year vehicles. The study found nine models that are so safe that they had a driver death rate of zero. (Only eight years ago there were no car manufacturers who could make this claim.) These mostly 2011 models, show how the chances of dying in a car crash have steadily decreased over the last few years. Improvements in car safety such as electronic stability control, which was not required by federal mandate until 2011, have been a huge factor in preventing automobile accidents. “We know from our vehicle ratings program that crash-test performance has been getting steadily better,” according to David Zuby, IIHS’ executive vice president. “These latest death rates provide new confirmation that real-world outcomes are improving, too.”
The nine models with a driver death rate of zero are:
- Audi A4 four-wheel-drive luxury car
- Honda Odyssey minivan
- Kia Sorento SUV
- Lexus RX 350 four-wheel-drive luxury SUV
- Mercedes-Benz GL-Class four-wheel drive luxury SUV
- Subaru Legacy four-wheel-drive midsize car
- Toyota Highlander hybrid four-wheel-drive SUV
- Toyota Sequoia four-wheel-drive SUV
- Volvo XC90 four-wheel-drive luxury SUV
Despite tougher IIHS safety standards for testing, the number of automobiles receiving a “Top Safety Pick+” continues to increase. To qualify, a vehicle must earn good ratings in the moderate overlap front, side, roof strength and head restraint tests, as well as a good or acceptable rating in the small overlap front test. The number of vehicles earning either “Top Safety Pick” or “Top Safety Pick+” awards has jumped to 71 from 39 this time last year, giving consumers a wider range of choices for optimum vehicle crash protection.
