Written by:

Jaret Aparo

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Interpreting IIHS and NHTSA Safety Ratings Correctly

As you shop for a new vehicle, safety ratings are likely to play a significant role in your decision-making process. After all, who doesn’t want to ensure their loved ones are protected on the road? In the US, two prominent organizations – the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) – provide valuable insights into a vehicle’s safety performance. However, understanding their ratings can be overwhelming, especially for those without a background in engineering or automotive expertise.

In this article, we’ll break down the IIHS and NHTSA safety ratings, explaining what they mean, how they’re calculated, and what to look for when making your next car purchase. By the end of this guide, you’ll be well-equipped to make informed decisions and prioritize your safety on the road.

Understanding IIHS Safety Ratings

The IIHS, a nonprofit organization, evaluates vehicles based on their performance in five crashworthiness tests and one advanced or superior rating for front crash prevention. These tests are designed to simulate real-world accidents, assessing the vehicle’s ability to protect occupants and prevent injuries.

Crashworthiness Tests:

  1. Moderate overlap front crash test: This test simulates a collision where the front of the vehicle strikes another vehicle or object at 40 mph. The goal is to evaluate how well the vehicle absorbs the impact and maintains its structure.
  2. Small overlap front crash test: A more challenging test, this scenario involves a collision where only a small portion of the front of the vehicle strikes another vehicle or object at 40 mph. This test evaluates the vehicle’s ability to protect occupants in a more severe crash.
  3. Side impact test: In this test, a vehicle strikes the side of the test vehicle at 50 mph. The goal is to assess the vehicle’s ability to protect occupants in a side collision.
  4. Roof strength test: This test evaluates the vehicle’s roof strength by applying a force equivalent to four times the vehicle’s weight. The goal is to ensure the roof can withstand the force of a rollover accident.
  5. Head restraints and seats test: This test assesses the vehicle’s head restraints and seats for their ability to support the head and neck in a rear crash.

Front Crash Prevention Rating:

The IIHS also awards vehicles with a basic, advanced, or superior rating for front crash prevention. This rating is based on the vehicle’s ability to prevent or mitigate a front crash using features such as automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, and lane departure warning.

IIHS Safety Rating Categories:

The IIHS assigns one of four ratings to each vehicle based on its performance in the crashworthiness tests and front crash prevention rating:

  • Good (highest rating): The vehicle performs exceptionally well in all tests and earns a superior or advanced rating for front crash prevention.
  • Acceptable: The vehicle performs well in most tests but may have some deficiencies in one or two areas.
  • Marginal: The vehicle performs poorly in one or two tests, but not severely enough to warrant a “Poor” rating.
  • Poor (lowest rating): The vehicle performs severely poorly in one or more tests.

Understanding NHTSA Safety Ratings

The NHTSA, a government agency, evaluates vehicles based on their performance in frontal and side crash tests, as well as rollover resistance. The NHTSA also provides an overall safety rating, which combines the results of these tests.

Frontal Crash Test:

The NHTSA conducts a frontal crash test at 35 mph, simulating a head-on collision. The test evaluates the vehicle’s ability to protect occupants and prevent injuries.

Side Crash Test:

The NHTSA conducts a side crash test at 38.5 mph, simulating a collision where the side of the vehicle is struck. The test evaluates the vehicle’s ability to protect occupants in a side collision.

Rollover Resistance Test:

The NHTSA evaluates a vehicle’s rollover resistance by assessing its ability to remain upright during a simulated rollover scenario.

NHTSA Safety Rating Categories:

The NHTSA assigns one of five ratings to each vehicle based on its performance in the frontal and side crash tests, as well as rollover resistance:

  • 5-Star (highest rating): The vehicle performs exceptionally well in all tests.
  • 4-Star: The vehicle performs well in most tests but may have some deficiencies in one area.
  • 3-Star: The vehicle performs moderately well in all tests.
  • 2-Star: The vehicle performs poorly in one or two tests.
  • 1-Star (lowest rating): The vehicle performs severely poorly in one or more tests.

Comparing IIHS and NHTSA Safety Ratings

While both organizations provide valuable insights into a vehicle’s safety performance, there are some key differences to consider:

  • Test speeds: The IIHS conducts tests at higher speeds (40-50 mph) compared to the NHTSA (35-38.5 mph).
  • Test scenarios: The IIHS includes more test scenarios, such as the small overlap front crash test, which is not conducted by the NHTSA.
  • Rating categories: The IIHS uses a more nuanced rating system, with four categories (Good, Acceptable, Marginal, and Poor), while the NHTSA uses a five-star rating system.

What to Look for When Making Your Next Car Purchase

When shopping for a new vehicle, prioritize safety by considering the following:

  • Look for top ratings: Opt for vehicles with a “Good” rating from the IIHS and a 5-Star rating from the NHTSA.
  • Check the details: Review the specific test results and ratings for each vehicle, rather than relying solely on the overall rating.
  • Consider advanced safety features: Look for vehicles with advanced safety features, such as automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring.
  • Check the vehicle’s safety features: Ensure the vehicle is equipped with essential safety features, such as airbags, anti-lock brakes, and electronic stability control.
  • Research the manufacturer’s safety reputation: Look into the manufacturer’s overall safety record and reputation for producing safe vehicles.

By understanding IIHS and NHTSA safety ratings, you’ll be better equipped to make informed decisions when purchasing your next vehicle. Remember to prioritize safety, and don’t be afraid to ask questions or dig deeper into the details. With the right information, you can ensure you and your loved ones are protected on the road.

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