When researching vehicles to determine which are rated safest, government crash test figures apply when comparing vehicles in the same size class. This means that if your vehicle rates high, you are more likely to survive an accident with fewer injuries than if you were in a vehicle of similar size and design that rated poorly. Michael Barszcz, M.D., J.D., Florida auto accident attorney represents clients who have been injured in an auto accident.
Good Fuel Mileage Ratings
If you are searching for a smaller car that will provide good fuel mileage, this does not mean you will be well protected during an auto accident. Therefore, you should spare no expense when investing in advanced safety features. The best protection in any type of vehicle, however, still remains the level of driving skill and alertness of the individual behind the wheel.
Why hire an attorney who’s also a medical doctor?
When the stakes are high, EVERY MOVE MATTERS.
Insurance Company Rating Methods
In most cases, drivers are under the misconception that a safe car means a boring car. This is not the case at all. Insurance companies base their premium rates in part on the safety of the vehicles and the occupants. Their data is collected from both real life accident data, as well as from the results of crash tests. Vehicles that perform well during the crash tests generally perform equally as well under real life circumstances.
Safety by Design
Newer vehicles cost more to insure, but drivers are often offered discounts based on the amount and types of safety features in their new vehicle. The design of a vehicle takes into account accident prevention of the performance in an accident.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is a government agency that performs side-impact collision and full-frontal crash tests on vehicles. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety is sponsored by the insurance industry and performs offset-frontal crash tests on vehicles. This is a more frequently occurring type of vehicle accident.
Consumer Reports magazine publishes the results of these two agency tests when comparing 85 different vehicles in the following categories:
- Accident avoidance
- Overall safety
- Crash protection
- Braking system performance on both wet and dry road surfaces
- Emergency handling
- Acceleration
- Driving position
- Visibility
- Seat comfort
Vehicles that score highest in these categories receive the best ratings.
Comparing these ratings and speaking with your insurance agent will yield the most reliable results when searching for the right vehicle to suit your individual needs. To learn more about vehicle safety and your rights and responsibilities as a driver, please contact the law offices of Florida car accident attorney, Michael Barszcz, M.D., J.D., today. We offer free consultations throughout Florida and within the Orlando, Florida area.