Understanding Vehicle Safety Ratings
What Are Vehicle Safety Ratings?
Vehicle safety ratings are standardized assessments that evaluate how well a vehicle protects its occupants during a crash and what technologies it offers to prevent accidents altogether. These ratings help consumers make informed decisions when purchasing vehicles and encourage manufacturers to build safer automobiles.
Safety ratings are typically presented as scores or star ratings (often on a five-star scale), making it easier for consumers to compare the safety performance of different vehicles at a glance. These ratings are determined through rigorous crash testing and comprehensive evaluations of safety features.
Major Safety Rating Organizations
NHTSA (United States)
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration conducts the U.S. Government's 5-Star Safety Ratings Program, which evaluates vehicles for crashworthiness and rollover safety.
- Established in 1978
- Uses a 5-star rating system
- Tests: frontal, side, and rollover crashes
- Ratings available at NHTSA.gov/ratings
IIHS (United States)
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety is a nonprofit organization funded by auto insurance companies that conducts vehicle tests beyond federal requirements.
- Awards Top Safety Pick and Top Safety Pick+ designations
- Tests: moderate overlap front, small overlap front, side, roof strength, head restraints
- Also evaluates crash prevention systems and headlights
- Ratings available at IIHS.org
Euro NCAP (Europe)
The European New Car Assessment Programme provides safety ratings for vehicles sold in Europe.
- Founded in 1997
- Uses a 5-star rating system
- Tests: adult occupant protection, child occupant protection, vulnerable road user protection, safety assist
- Ratings available at EuroNCAP.com
Other Regional Programs
- ANCAP: Australia and New Zealand
- JNCAP: Japan
- KNCAP: Korea
- C-NCAP: China
- Latin NCAP: Latin America and Caribbean
- ASEAN NCAP: Southeast Asian countries
How Crash Tests Are Conducted
Vehicle crash testing involves controlled collisions using test dummies equipped with sensors to measure potential injuries to drivers and passengers. These tests simulate various real-world accident scenarios.
Frontal Impact Tests
Moderate Overlap Test: 40% of the vehicle's front strikes a barrier at 35 mph (IIHS) or 35-38 mph (NHTSA).
Small Overlap Test: 25% of the front end on either the driver or passenger side hits a barrier at 40 mph (IIHS).
Full-Width Test: The entire width of the vehicle hits a rigid barrier at 35 mph (NHTSA).
Side Impact Tests
Side Barrier Test: A 3,300-pound barrier moving at 38.5 mph strikes the side of a stationary vehicle (NHTSA).
Side Pole Test: The vehicle is pulled sideways at 20 mph into a rigid pole aligned with the driver's seat (NHTSA).
Updated Side Test: A heavier barrier with greater force to reflect the growing number of SUVs and pickup trucks (IIHS).
Additional Tests
Rollover Resistance: Evaluates how top-heavy a vehicle is and its likelihood of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
Roof Strength: Measures how well the roof protects occupants in a rollover crash by pressing a metal plate against one side of the roof.
Rear Impact/Whiplash: Assesses how well seats and head restraints protect against neck injuries in rear-end collisions.
Understanding Safety Technologies Evaluated
Passive Safety Features
These features protect occupants during a crash:
- Airbags: Front, side, knee, curtain, and center airbags
- Seatbelts: Three-point belts with pretensioners and load limiters
- Structural Integrity: Crumple zones and reinforced passenger compartments
- Head Restraints: Designed to prevent whiplash in rear-end collisions
- Child Safety Systems: LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) compatibility
Active Safety Technologies
These features help prevent crashes from occurring:
- Forward Collision Warning (FCW): Alerts driver of potential frontal collision
- Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB): Applies brakes if collision is imminent
- Lane Departure Warning (LDW): Alerts if vehicle drifts from lane
- Lane Keeping Assist (LKA): Helps steer vehicle back into lane
- Blind Spot Detection: Warns of vehicles in blind spots
- Rear Cross-Traffic Alert: Warns of approaching vehicles when backing up
- Adaptive Cruise Control: Maintains safe following distance
How to Use Safety Ratings When Shopping
Best Practices
- Compare Similar Vehicle Classes: Safety ratings are most meaningful when comparing vehicles of similar size and weight.
- Check Multiple Rating Sources: NHTSA, IIHS, and other organizations may have different testing criteria.
- Look Beyond Stars: Examine detailed crash test results and safety feature availability.
- Consider Your Specific Needs: Family vehicles may prioritize child safety features; urban vehicles might emphasize pedestrian protection.
- Review Test Year: Ratings from the current model year are most relevant as standards change over time.
Research Resources
NHTSA Vehicle Safety Ratings
Search by make, model, and year to see government crash test ratings and recalls.
www.nhtsa.gov/ratings
IIHS Vehicle Ratings
Detailed crash test results with photos, videos, and Top Safety Pick designations.
www.iihs.org/ratings
Consumer Reports
Subscription service offering detailed safety reviews combining test data with reliability information.
www.consumerreports.org
The Evolution of Safety Standards
Vehicle safety standards have become progressively more stringent over the decades, resulting in dramatic improvements in vehicle safety:
1950s-60s
Basic safety features like seat belts began to appear; initial safety advocacy gained momentum.
1970s-80s
First crash test programs established; airbags developed; mandatory safety standards implemented.
1990s-2000s
Consumer safety ratings gained prominence; side airbags and electronic stability control introduced.
2010s-Present
Advanced driver assistance systems becoming standard; autonomous safety features emerging; focus on pedestrian protection.
Since the introduction of standardized safety ratings and increased regulations, fatality rates per vehicle mile traveled have declined significantly despite more vehicles on the road. This progress demonstrates how safety ratings have driven automotive innovation and saved countless lives.