How safe is your car?
You may have noticed the advances and improvements that car manufacturers have made over a relatively short time. Imagine a few decades back, when the most common feature for safety was an airbag.
In the present day, cars come with a “full-featured” set of safety features. These include everything from forward collision avoidance system to backup camera. The latest accident stats for the U.S. make it clear that having a safe car is essential.
The National Safety Council estimates, although the statistics for 2017 have not yet been fully analyzed, that 40,100 people were killed in auto accidents. This is a decrease of 1% from 2016 but an increase of 6% from 2015.
Many drivers are aware that daily car accidents result from human error. While nearly all crashes can be prevented, factors such as distracted driving, DUI and reckless driving like speeding play an important role.
Check out these vehicles with the highest safety ratings
You can’t always guarantee you won’t get into an accident. But you can make your car safer.
What are the ratings of these vehicles? Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has awarded the 2018 Top Safety Pick+ to the top-rated vehicles. To receive this prestigious rating, vehicles must score well in all of the following categories:
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Small overlaps on the driver’s side front
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Frontal overlap with moderate degree
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Roof strength
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Head restraints
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Front small overlap test for passenger-side
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Frontal crash prevention
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Headlights
Here are some of the vehicles that have performed best in car accidents in 2018.
Hyundai Elantra
The 2018 Hyundai Elantra received good ratings for its safety features. The passenger-side front overlap and the ease of use of the child seat anchors were given acceptable ratings.
The 2018 Hyundai also has electronic stability control, anti-lock brakes, daytime running lights, and side airbags. The 2018 Hyundai is also equipped with electronic stability control, daytime running lamps, and anti-lock brakes.
Hyundai’s Sonata, Santa Fe and Santa Fe Sport are also rated highly for safety.
Kia Forte
The Kia Forte, like the 2018 Hyundai, scored well in all areas of testing except the front passenger overlap and ease of use with child seat anchors.
The Kia also has a rollover sensor, electronic stability control, anti-lock brakesand optional running lights. Kia’s other safety features include a rollover sensor and electronic stability control. It also comes with anti-lock braking as well as optional running lights. Kia also has the 2018 Niro Hybrid, Soul and Optima.
Subaru Crosstrek
Subaru Crosstrek fans can rejoice as the vehicle received excellent ratings across all areas of testing, including child seat anchors. The 2018 Crosstrek also has side airbags with front and rear head curtains, a rollover detector, driver’s knee airbag, electronic stabilization control, antilock brakes and daytime running lamps.
Subaru’s Impreza, WRX Legacy and Outback are among the other models that received top safety ratings in 2018.
Toyota Camry
The Camry is not only a durable and long-lasting vehicle, it’s also a top choice for safety. The Toyota Camry received good ratings across all areas of testing. It has side airbags, an electronic stability control system, anti-lock breaks, daytime running lamps, a rollover detector, as well as a rollover sensors.
BMW 5 Series
This BMW could be the perfect choice for you if you are looking for a luxurious car with high-rated safety features. It was given a good rating in all areas except for the child seat latches.
The BMW has dual knee airbags, one for the driver and another for the passenger. The BMW is equipped with electronic stability control, antilock brakes and a rolling sensor. Daytime running lights can be programmed.
BMW X3 is also a top-rated car in 2018.
Genesis G80
The Genesis scores the highest in every test category, with the exception of the child seat latches. The Genesis, like other vehicles in our top 10, has a side airbag, a rollover detector, electronic stability, anti-lock breaks, daytime running lamps, and a knee airbag for the driver.
You may also be interested to see the G90’s high ratings.
Lexus RC
The 2018 Lexus RC is the perfect car for those who want luxury and safety. It has passed all the tests with top ratings and all the additional safety features that other top-rated vehicles on the market have. Both the driver’s and passenger’s side have knee airbags.
The RC is the only Lexus model that received the highest safety rating in 2018.
Lincoln Continental
Lincoln Continental is rated highly despite having front collision prevention available as an option. The Continental received all good grades except for the child latches, which were rated acceptable.
The top-rated vehicles also have dual knee airbags and inflatable seatbelts.
Mercedes-Benz E-Class
Mercedes Benz drivers who have owned their vehicles for a long time may not be surprised that they are equipped with the latest safety features. The E-Class scored highest in all areas of testing and has many of the same safety features found in other Mercedes Benz vehicles.
In addition, the 2018 E-Class has automatic headrests that adjust themselves when you move your seat and daytime running lamps with programmable settings. The GLC-Class and GLE-Class are also among the top-rated Mercedes Benz vehicles for 2018.
You don’t see the car you want? See IIHS’s full list of the top-rated safety vehicles.