By Patrick Mileham
DriveSafe Online Contributing Writer
Over the past two decades auto manufacturers have re-engineered car and SUV designs with safety in mind. Even the past two years have introduced significant advancements in safety features like improved air bags and collision warning systems that not only protect drivers in crashes but help them avoid accidents altogether. Soon, self-driving cars may eliminate the human error that often causes many wrecks, but in the meantime, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has released its top picks for the safest vehicles for 2018.
Here’s an interesting note to consider, since so many accidents happen at night or when daylight is masked at dusk or dawn, the IIHS began testing headlight performance. Researchers discovered a “huge variation in the amount of illumination headlights provide in on-road driving.” Each of the models listed here received “good” or “acceptable” ratings for their forward lighting system.
Another fact to consider, especially if you’re an older driver, many of the design changes included in newer models feature smaller windows. Typically, the more stylish and sleek a car looks, the less glass it will have, which can increase blind spots and reduce visibility. Since older drivers lose flexibility, turning to see out those smaller spaces can be difficult. (Learn more about senior driving in this previous blog post)
Here are a few of the cars that made the 2018 Top Safety Picks list. Visit the IIHS website to view the complete list.
Small Cars
Chevrolet Volt
Hyundai Elantra
Kia Forte
Mazda 3
Subaru Impreza
Toyota Carolla
Toyota Prius
Midsize Cars
Honda Accord
Hyundai Sonata
Kia Optima
Nissan Altima
Nissan Maxima
Subaru Legacy
Toyota Camry
Large Cars
Kia Cadenza
Toyota Avalon
Midsize SUVs
Honda Pilot
Hyundai Santa Fe
Kia Sorento
Mazda CX-9
Toyota Highlander
You need to protect yourself at all times against the possibility of an accident. Occupant restraints, airbags, electronic stability control and blind-spot warning are just some of the life-saving equipment featured in vehicles today. The NHTSA reported that almost half of the people who died in accidents in one year (where restraint use was known) were not wearing a seat belt or using an occupant restraint. Be smart. Be defensive. Be safe while driving.
Patrick M. is Editorial Director for the always expanding DriveSafe Online library of courses. With over two decades of experience developing award-winning training, he now focuses on innovating online driver safety training. Pulling from his background in journalism, he steers the wheel behind the creation of top-tier content that promotes a better journey—whether on the digital highway of learning or the real roads we travel every day.