IIHS Names Top Safety Picks

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Baltimore car accident lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton represent injured car accident victimsThe Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) recently included three full-sized vehicles to its list of cars that have received high ratings for crash worthiness. The vehicles included were the Mercedes-Benz E-Class sedan, the Lincoln Continental, and the Toyota Avalon. Missing from this list is the much-anticipated Tesla Model S, the Ford Taurus, and the Chevrolet Impala.

While the Tesla has received a great deal of attention in the luxury-car arena, due in part to CEO Elon Musk and his talks about how safe and energy efficient the vehicle is, the Tesla did not receive high marks in the small overlap front test. The Impala and the Taurus also failed to score high marks in this area, according to a statement from a vice president for IIHS. The small overlap test was introduced in 2012 and it tests the vehicle’s ability to protect the driver-side corner if the vehicle were to hit an object like a tree or a telephone pole.

In a test using a crash test dummy, the Tesla Model S also did not have a strong enough seat belt. The dummy used in the small overlap test struck its head on the steering wheel. The Impala’s structure fared a bit better, but the dummy’s head was not fully protected. The Taurus protected the dummy’s movement, but its lower left leg was exposed to potential injuries.

Full-Size Cars Win High Scores for Safety

The high safety ratings for the Continental, E-Class, and Avalon were the result of good airbag timing and seat belt tension. With the addition of these vehicles to the IIHS list, consumers have more choices when they begin shopping for a new car. While the list includes highly rated cars of all sizes – from the minicars to large pickups – the top-rated cars in the large car category are generally safer than the vehicles in the small car category that receive the same rating. The large size alone makes a vehicle safer than a small car.

In order to qualify as a Top Safety Pick Plus for 2017, cars must pass five safety tests and receive high ratings for front crash prevention from the IIHS. The car must also have a positive headlight rating. The following are the five tests that a vehicle must pass:

  • How a car responds to small overlap front crashes
  • How a car responds to moderate overlap front crashes
  • How a car responds to side crashes
  • Roof strength
  • Effectiveness of head restraints

Baltimore Car Accident Lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton Represent Injured Car Accident Victims

If you have been seriously injured in a car accident, and one of the vehicles involved has had poor safety ratings, do not hesitate to contact the experienced Baltimore car accident lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton. Our experienced team will investigate the details of your wreck and determine who is responsible for your injuries and any damage to your vehicle. We will work tirelessly to obtain the maximum financial compensation you deserve. To schedule a free, confidential consultation, call us today at 800-547-4LAW (4529) or contact us online.

Our offices are located in Baltimore, Columbia, Glen Burnie, and Towson, Maryland, allowing us to represent car accident victims in Maryland, including those in Anne Arundel County, Carroll County, Harford County, Howard County, Montgomery County, Maryland’s Western Counties, Southern Maryland, and the Eastern Shore, as well as the communities of Catonsville, Essex, Halethorpe, Middle River, Rosedale, Gwynn Oak, Brooklandville, Dundalk, Pikesville, Nottingham, Windsor Mill, Lutherville, Timonium, Sparrows Point, Ridgewood, and Elkridge.