If involved in a crash, how safe is your SUV? It may be one of the safest vehicles on the road in many types of accidents. But it might not be safe in all types of crashes. In recent years, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) tested driver-side small overlap crashes. As a result of the safety deficiencies identified, SUV manufacturers
have improved the safety of the vehicles in this type of driver side crash.
The IIHS recently conducted (published in June 2018) similar tests of mid-sized SUVs in “passenger side small overlap” accidents. These are accidents that cause the right front of the vehicle to take the force of the crash. This might be a crash with another vehicle that primarily impacts the right front of the SUV. This type of crash also includes accidents that involve the right front of an SUV hitting a stationary object, such as a tree or a telephone pole.
The tests included 2018 models for most SUVs and the 2019 Kia Sorento. Some of the vehicles tested provided good protection to passengers. Others had deficiencies in airbag deployment, safety belt issues, or weaknesses in the vehicle’s structure. These deficiencies could cause injuries to a passenger’s right side or cause a head injury.
The study examined each SUV’s performance in a passenger side small overlap front crash. The SUVs were reviewed for structure, passenger restraints and kinematics, prevention of head and neck injuries, prevention of chest injuries, prevention of hip and thigh injuries and prevention of lower leg or foot injuries. According to these tests, the highest ranking mid-size SUVs are the 2019 Kia Sorento and the 2018 Volkswagen Atlas. The lowest ranking vehicles were the 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee and the 2018 Ford Explorer. Also included in the tests were 2018 GMC Acadia, 2018 Toyota Highlander, 2018 Nissan Pathfinder, and 2018 Honda Pilot.
The summary of the study published by the IIHS can be found here: http://www.iihs.org/iihs/news/desktopnews/passenger-side-tests-of-midsize-suvs-reveal-some-flaws You can also find studies of other types of vehicles and their safety rankings in several types of crashes.
The first step in keeping yourself and your family safe on our roadways is the safety of your vehicle. Ratings are available from the IIHS and Consumer Reports. Recalls (which should always be repaired) can be found from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration here: https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Before setting out on a trip, it is important to have your vehicle serviced and/or checked for performance of tires, and vehicle systems. Remember, that no matter how safe your vehicle may be, distracted, drunk, drugged or fatigued driving are very dangerous.
All of us at Altizer Law, P.C., genuinely hope that you and your family will never need our help as auto accident attorney. If you or a loved one is injured in an auto accident through no fault of your own, you may be entitled to recover a financial settlement for your hurts and harms. We work with people injured by the negligence or wrongdoing of others every day. If you need legal representation, call Bettina Altizer, the Roanoke, VA based attorney who fights for each client with aggressive determination and tenacity.
