Cars are undoubtedly the most frequent mode of transportation for Americans, and the majority of people feel reasonably safe when doing so. Even if you’ve had a terrible experience, such as driving in a strong storm, your chances of injury or death aren’t usually something you consider before getting behind the wheel. Many individuals drive many times every day for decades without a second thought.
We’d all prefer to be free from harm on the road. We do all we can to reduce our chances of being in an accident, from being cautious near larger vehicles to avoiding accident-prone areas on the road. If you’re purchasing a commercial truck, it’s recommended for you to protect it with a semi-truck insurance policy.
When selecting a car, we must also consider safety. If you are involved in a collision, you want your vehicle to be built to keep you as secure as possible. And if you sustain injuries, you may contact an auto accident attorney to help you file a claim.
Crash Test Scores
When looking for a new automobile, most customers evaluate crash-test scores. Crash-test results, whether it’s from the government or the insurance firm, give vital insight into the passenger protection provided by a vehicle. However, this does not provide the complete picture.
For example, the front-crash scores mimic colliding with a car of the same size. What if you collide with a larger, heavier, or higher vehicle?
While physics dictates that in a collision between mismatched cars, the lighter one receives the brunt of the damage, this study demonstrates how unfair the competition is.
SUVs vs. Sedans
Many families choose an SUV over a sedan because they believe they would be safer sitting higher off the ground. In addition, a recent research study found that SUVs are far safer than sedans. A person in an SUV is at least 50% more likely than a sedan passenger to escape a vehicle accident without severe injuries.
The size of a vehicle is a significant aspect that influences its safety. SUV drivers have a greater probability of protection than sedan or compact vehicle drivers because they have more material between them and the road. When it comes to safety, SUVs often outperform smaller vehicles with otherwise equivalent safety measures.
In the end, it appears that a larger automobile is frequently safer in an accident. Of course, there are additional considerations to be made. A smaller car with modern safety features like anti-lock brakes and good scores on Consumer Reports tests like collision avoidance and wet/dry braking, for example, might be safer than an older SUV with less modern safety features. Furthermore, in a major metropolitan area where traffic and parking are frequent issues, smaller automobiles may make more sense. You’ll have to consider your requirements and alternatives.
Additional Components
No matter what size vehicle you select, you should thoroughly investigate passenger airbags and other available safety equipment, all of which can considerably minimize your risk in the event of an accident. Just because a large, heavy vehicle has the edge in a head-on collision with a smaller, lighter vehicle does not make lesser cars hazardous. In reality, they’re safer than ever, with total traffic deaths reaching an all-time low. However, you should always consider a car with modern safety features such as anti-lock brakes, side curtain airbags, and stability control. And select one that has tested well in government and insurance company crash testing.
What to Do if You’re Injured
No automobile, regardless of its safety systems, is immune to operator mistakes. Be sure to wear a seat belt, drive at a safe rate, and avoid drinking before driving a vehicle, regardless of the type of machine you drive. Don’t stare at your phone or fidget with your GPS while driving. Common sense can be the difference between staying alive after an accident and avoiding one completely.
If you have been injured or lost loved ones in a vehicle accident, you may be eligible to seek reparation from the at-fault motorist or their insurance provider. Get in touch with a reputable car accident lawyer for a consultation. An experienced car accident lawyer will be able to guide you to ensure that your rights are protected.