Driving often comes with risks but knowing you’re doing everything you can to avoid or survive a collision can be comforting for many car owners navigating the highways. Many new vehicles have technology that helps reduce the risk of a crash. Knowing your car is also popular for keeping people safe in a car accident can help reduce the trauma of the event. These safety protocols can also make accident repair easier.
You do everything you can to avoid getting into an auto collision, but they’re unfortunately still common. Everything from distractions, congested highways, speeding, and impaired drivers can increase your chances of a car accident, so being in a vehicle with high safety ratings can be the difference between walking away unharmed to fatalities. Here are some of our top picks for the safest cars when it comes to auto collision.
Aspects that make a car safer in collisions
Several factors contribute to making a car safer in an auto collision. Car manufacturers put vehicles through a series of tests to gauge their performance and safety features. Here are a few.
Weight
Heavier cars have a reduced chance of getting destroyed in a collision. A larger vehicle adds some safety as your car is less likely to flip or skid off the road. Its heavier weight keeps it grounded, and heavier cars are known to fare better in collisions.
Safety technology
Many new vehicles have advanced safety features that make them more likely to survive a car accident. Some of these also contribute to better accident repair. This equipment includes: stability sensors, collision avoidance technology, antilock brakes, safety glass, airbags, and alert systems.
Centre of gravity
A car’s centre of gravity also enhances its ability to survive a crash. Vehicles with a low centre of gravity don’t roll or change direction as quickly as other vehicles in a car accident.
Impact absorption
Another determinant of safety is how well the body of a car absorbs impact. In a crashworthiness test, the car’s ability to crumple in a collision and protect you is tested for high or low-impact absorption. A vehicle with low-impact absorption transfers energy, causing the driver and passengers to keep moving, which can result in fatal injuries.
Cars that prove safer than others
Here are the top safe affordable cars according to the Institute for Highway Safety:
- Nissan Maxima Sedan
- Chrysler 200
- Toyota Rav4 Mini SUV
- Volkswagen Passat Sedan
- Toyota Avalon Sedan
The top large luxury cars include the following:
- Genesis G90
- Mercedes Benz E class Sedan
- Genesis G80
- Lincoln Continental
- BMW 5 Series
If you have a family and require a bigger car, these are the safest minivans:
- Honda Odyssey
- Toyota Sienna
- Kia Carnival
- Chrysler Pacifica
The top safest midsize cars include:
- Toyota Camry
- Subaru Legacy
- Honda Accord
- Kia K5
- Hyundai Sonata
If you prefer a smaller vehicle, these are the safest small cars:
- Hyundai Elantra
- Kia Soul
- Honda Insight
- Subaru WRX
How to make your current car safer
There’s no need to worry or rush out to buy a new vehicle if your current car isn’t on the list of top safe cars. Below are a few things you can do to make your current car safer and improve your chances of surviving a collision.
Frequent maintenance
Taking your car in for timely car repair appointments and maintenance checks are vital to ensuring it performs at its best and lasts a long time. Frequent oil changes, rotating your tires, wheel alignment and balancing, changing your tires often, and tightening your brakes all contribute to keeping you safe on the roads.
Proper positioning
Reclining your seat too far back can alter your vision and make it harder to see the road ahead. Also, positioning your rearview and side mirror the right way helps you get a good overview of your surroundings and decrease your blind spots.
You can also install blind-spot warning sensors that alert you when a vehicle enters these areas. Losing sight of cars on your blind side is one of the most common causes of auto collisions.
Installing the latest safety equipment
Technological pieces of equipment, such as Forward Collision Warning (FCW) systems, help monitor your speed and other vehicle speeds. It warns you if you’re getting too close or moving too fast to help reduce the likelihood of a rear-end collision.
Anti-lock brakes also help reduce skidding on icy roads, which can be helpful in the winter. They give your vehicle extra grip and increase its stopping power, so it’s less likely to slide off the road in extreme weather conditions.
Reinforced windows
Broken windshields and shattered glass cause severe injuries in a collision. Reinforcing your windows makes them harder to break, thanks to a premium tint that makes them stronger. Many companies offer this service, and you can find it easily online. However, ensure you check your windows frequently for cracks and get them repaired if you’re not looking to spend any money reinforcing your windows.
Working with Simplicity Car Care means you’ll never have to wonder where to get the best accident repair. We have multiple locations all over Canada and technicians train for years to acquire the right skills to repair different vehicle models. Contact us today for your car repair needs.
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