Under the governments new Car Assessment Program automobile crash tests will be receiving lower grades even though auto manufactures have improved crash protection on their vehicles. This is due to the addition of a side impact test and safer injury criteria for the existing front and side impact tests. The system is being revised to deal with “grade inflation”. So many vehicles now receive five star ratings that the safety conscious consumer has little help in choosing the vehicle that will protect them best.

The scoring system takes effect in 2011 with the new models and is sure to cause confusion amongst dealers and consumers. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says it will conduct an extensive public education campaign to educate everyone on the changes. “The newly overhauled five-star rating system significantly raises the bar on safety,” Ron Medford, acting deputy director of NHTSA, said.