Vehicle Safety Ratings, How Safe is Safe?
By doclowe1000I was just watching TV when I saw a commercial for a small car boasting “best safety rating in its class.” Sounds pretty good doesn’t it? Then, I walked outside and saw one of my neighbors driving a “Smart-Car” that was followed by a full-size pick-up truck. The smart car didn’t look so safe.
Cars are put through rigorous crash tests and simulations to determine their safety rating. This testing is performed and recorded by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The testing is based on that car being hit by another car of the same size and weight. They actually test and record data for several types of impact including front-end offset test, side impact test, roof strength test and rear crash protection/head restraint rating. The laws of physics and real life crash analysis shows that a larger vehicle has a huge advantage in a collision. A 250 pound line backer hitting a 10 year old boy who weighs 100 pounds, the line backer wins. Semi hits a full size SUV, the semi wins. In human terms, the people in the smaller vehicle receive more of the impact and have a greater chance of being injured. How safe is safe? Bigger is safer.
Want to look up your cars safety rating, go to http://www.iihs.org/ratings/default.aspx
Patrick R. Lowe, D.C.
Patrick Lowe is a chiropractor in Louisville, KY. He has done extensive research and training in the diagnosis and treatment of whiplash and collision related injuries. Dr. Lowe works in the medico-legal arena helping people through a painful and often frustrating time of their lives. His office is located at 10306 Shelbyville Rd, Louisville. He can be reached at (502) 245-7334
Cool… Glad I stumbled upon this post as I am just about to make a choice on a pretty big purchase. You truly aided me with my research. I really appreciate it! –Judy.