When looking for a new vehicle, there are seemingly countless options from which to choose. Known for many benefits such as their reliability, good fuel economy, and lower cost, compact cars have always been a popular choice for consumers around the world. However, when compared with larger vehicles such as trucks and SUVs, they may not protect passengers as well in a car accident. However, there are ways to stay safe if you are driving a compact car.
To keep costs down, compact cars were originally equipped with the newest and most modern safety features, which could normally be included in their standard packages. Advanced features like LED headlights, anti-lock brakes, front and side airbags, and blind spot monitoring were just a few safety features that were introduced first on a manufacturer’s compact car. Because of these many features, the most popular compact cars would perform well in crash and safety tests.
However, technological advancements are now included in newer SUVs, and they are becoming lighter and more maneuverable, just like a compact. Also, recent tests have found that SUVs are indeed safer to drive than compact cars. But this does not mean everyone has to drive an SUV. You can still be safe in a compact car, especially with these helpful tips:
Trucks, SUVs, crossovers, and pickups are incredibly popular today, accounting for over 75 percent of new vehicle sales in the United States. Not only do they now have the same safety features once reserved for compact cars, but also they are bigger and have more room for other features, such as rear seat airbags.
In the event of an accident, bigger vehicles can absorb more punishment than a compact car. It is simple physics: SUVs and trucks have larger crush zones, have longer hoods, and are heavier, making them better to absorb impact than a smaller car. According to the Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), a larger vehicle will push a lighter vehicle backward during impact, meaning that there is less force on those inside a large vehicle than those in a light vehicle. In 2015, the vehicle-related fatality rate was 13 deaths per million registered vehicles for larger SUVs. The highest is for smaller, mini cars, with 64 deaths per million registered vehicles.
It is also important to note that if a compact car scores well with the IIHS crash tests and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) crash tests, it does not necessarily mean it is just as safe compared with an SUV that scored similar results. These tests are useful only when compared with vehicles of the same size.
Although bigger SUVs are safer to drive than compact cars, smaller cars still have plenty of benefits. With improved safety technology and a few safety tips, you could be safe driving a compact car as well:
Whether you drive a compact car or an SUV, there is still the possibility of getting into a car accident. You want to be prepared if this happens to you. Here are a few steps to remember should that day ever happen:
Whether you drive a compact car or a large SUV, a car accident can still lead to a serious injury that could upend your life. You are encouraged to reach out to the Washington DC car accident lawyers at the Law Offices of Duane O. King. Our experienced team can help protect your rights and get the compensation for which you are entitled. Call us today at 202-331-1963 or contact us online for a free consultation. Located in Washington DC, Alexandria, Virginia, and National Harbor, Maryland, we work with clients in Prince George’s County, including Laurel, Beltsville, Adelphi, College Park, Greenbelt, Mitchellville, Woodmore, Greater Upper Marlboro, Springdale, Largo, Bowie, Capitol Heights, District Heights, Forestville, Suitland, Seat Pleasant, Clinton, Oxon Hill, Temple Hills, and Fort Washington.
Sources:
https://www.elephant.com/blog/is-it-safe-to-drive-a-compact-car
https://www.edmunds.com/car-safety/are-smaller-cars-as-safe-as-large-cars.html
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