Insurance Institute for Highway Safety: Keeping You Safe on the Road

If you’re like most people, you probably don’t give much thought to auto safety until you’re involved in a collision. But for the folks at the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), safety is their top priority every day. They work tirelessly to improve the safety of vehicles and the roads we travel on, conducting research, testing, and educating the public on how to stay safe behind the wheel.

What is the IIHS?

The IIHS is a non-profit organization that was created in 1959 to reduce the number of injuries and fatalities in auto accidents. They conduct research, evaluate vehicles, and provide safety ratings and information to consumers, automakers, and government agencies.

Their mission is to “reduce the losses — deaths, injuries, and property damage — from motor vehicle crashes,” and they do this by focusing on several key areas:

Vehicle Safety Ratings

One of the most important roles the IIHS plays is in evaluating the safety of new vehicles on the market. They conduct a series of tests that measure how well a vehicle protects its occupants in the event of a crash, and they also evaluate the effectiveness of the vehicle’s safety features and crash avoidance technologies.

The IIHS has a variety of safety ratings that they use to help consumers make informed decisions about vehicle safety:

Top Safety Pick

The Top Safety Pick rating is awarded to vehicles that perform well in a series of crash tests, including front, side, and rear impacts, as well as a roof strength test. The vehicle must also have advanced safety features, such as electronic stability control, and good headlights. The IIHS began issuing this rating in 2006.

Top Safety Pick+

The Top Safety Pick+ rating is awarded to vehicles that earn the Top Safety Pick rating and have good or acceptable headlights. This rating was introduced in 2013 to encourage automakers to improve their headlight technology.

Vehicle Safety Ratings Explained

The IIHS conducts a series of crash tests to evaluate vehicle safety. These tests include:

Frontal Crash Test

In this test, a vehicle is crashed into a barrier at 40 mph. The test evaluates how well the vehicle’s structure absorbs and distributes the energy of the crash, and how well the safety belts and airbags protect the driver and passenger.

Side Crash Test

The side crash test evaluates how well a vehicle protects its occupants in a crash that occurs at the side of the vehicle. The test simulates a T-bone crash, where another vehicle crashes into the side of the test vehicle at 31 mph.

Rear Crash Test

The rear crash test evaluates how well a vehicle’s head restraints protect occupants from whiplash in the event of a rear-end collision.

Rollover Test

The rollover test evaluates the strength of a vehicle’s roof by applying force to one side of the roof until it collapses.

What is Crash Avoidance Technology?

Crash avoidance technology refers to a variety of advanced safety features that are designed to help prevent accidents from happening in the first place. Some examples of crash avoidance technologies include:

Automatic Emergency Braking

This technology uses sensors to detect when a collision is imminent and automatically applies the brakes to avoid or reduce the severity of a crash.

Lane Departure Warning

This technology warns drivers when they are drifting out of their lane, which can help prevent accidents caused by distracted or drowsy driving.

Blind Spot Detection

This technology uses sensors to detect when there is a vehicle in the driver’s blind spot, and alerts the driver so they can avoid a collision.

Why Vehicle Safety Ratings Matter

Vehicle safety ratings are important because they help consumers make informed decisions about which vehicles are safest to drive. By choosing a vehicle that has earned a Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick+ rating, consumers can feel confident that they are driving a vehicle that has been rigorously tested and proven to be safe.

Additionally, vehicle safety ratings can influence automakers to improve the safety of their vehicles. When the IIHS began issuing the Top Safety Pick rating in 2006, only 22 vehicles earned the designation. By 2011, that number had grown to 115. This demonstrates that automakers are paying attention to safety ratings and working to improve the safety of their vehicles.

FAQs

What is the IIHS?

The IIHS is a non-profit organization that focuses on improving auto safety by conducting research, evaluating vehicles, and providing information and resources to the public.

What are vehicle safety ratings?

Vehicle safety ratings are evaluations of the safety of new vehicles based on a variety of criteria, such as crash tests, safety features, and crash avoidance technologies.

Why do vehicle safety ratings matter?

Vehicle safety ratings matter because they help consumers make informed decisions about which vehicles are safest to drive, and they can also influence automakers to improve the safety of their vehicles.

What is crash avoidance technology?

Crash avoidance technology refers to a variety of advanced safety features that are designed to help prevent accidents from happening in the first place.

What is the difference between Top Safety Pick and Top Safety Pick+?

The Top Safety Pick rating is awarded to vehicles that perform well in a series of crash tests and have advanced safety features. The Top Safety Pick+ rating is awarded to vehicles that earn the Top Safety Pick rating and have good or acceptable headlights.

As you can see, the IIHS plays a crucial role in improving auto safety and spreading awareness about the importance of safe driving. From their rigorous crash tests to their educational resources, the IIHS is committed to keeping us all safe on the road.