Results in for Crash Test Evaluations of Small Cars

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has completed its crash tests of small cars and the results have been announced. Wonder how your small car rates and what type of protection you would have in a serious car accident in New York?

Small cars have become a popular option for many people as gas prices have gone up over the last few years. Consumers have become more conscious of the importance of fuel efficiency, which is provided by most small cars. The problem with small cars though, is that they provide less protection in crashes than bigger, heavier vehicles.

Seven 2009 model small cars were involved in front, side and rear tests completed by the Institute. The Chevrolet HHR, Chrysler PT Cruiser, Ford Focus, Hyundai Elantra, Saturn Astra, Suzuki SX4 and Toyota Matrix, which were the seven small cars included in the tests, all received the highest rating in the category of “good for occupant protection in frontal crashes.” As far as performance in side crashes, only the SX4 and its twin Pontiac Vibe earned good ratings in protection. According to a press release from the Institute, “most new small cars now earn good ratings in frontal crash tests, but not when it comes to side and rear crashes.”

However, improvements have been made to small cars when it comes to protection in side impact crashes. Previously, out of all the small cars evaluated, only 3 of the 19 cars tested earned good ratings in side protection, but now 11 of the 21 cars tested have high ratings in side tests.

The barrier used by the Institute in side tests is challenging for small cars as it represents the front end of a pickup truck or SUV. In a car crash that involves side impact, side airbags become important in the protection of the vehicle’s occupants. The Institute’s barrier is at head level, which makes side airbags crucial in obtaining high ratings.

"Side airbags were mostly optional in the 2006 round of small car tests. A major change is that side airbags are standard in all of the seven small cars we tested this time around," said Joe Nolan, the Institute’s senior vice president.

If you have been injured in a New York car accident, contact the experienced car accident attorneys at Rappaport, Glass, Greene & Levine at (800) 734-9445 for a free legal consultation. We can help you receive compensation for your car accident injuries.