Avoid Purchasing Vehicles with Low Safety Ratings

The National Safety Council in Illinois is aimed at lobbying for and supporting safety standards, they stated that the average economic cost per traffic fatality is $1.1 million for a disabling injury (the figures include wage and productivity losses, medical expenses, administrative expenses, motor vehicle damage and employers’ uninsured costs).

The way a car handles itself during a crash also determines the severity of the damage to the car as well as the occupant’s injuries and subsequently the resulting expense.  Tiny cars and low-level sedans are especially at risk, according to crash tests conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Bigger cars, because of their mass, generally fare better in safety ratings, but may possibly be more likely to roll over.

Two cars with the worst crash test ratings are the Chevrolet Aveo and Chrysler PT Cruiser, both smaller cars, they each received “marginal” test-results for side- and rear-impacts. They join the Cadillac STS and Mercury Grand Marquis as some of the worst safety rated vehicles of 2010. The list of the most dangerous cars was compiled using IIHS crash-test results on 2010 model vehicles.

When searching for a safe vehicle for you and your family, watch for cars that have stability and traction control, front and side air bags, as well as an anti-lock brake system.  These features should automatically increase the safety ratings on your new vehicle, but you need to do your research and ask for safety reports from the dealership as well.

If you are shopping for a vehicle with high safety ratings, visit Pennsylvania Cross Keys Auto Dealers located in St. Louis and ask us about our auto credit programs including guaranteed credit.  We will do whatever it takes to get you into your vehicle with high safety ratings so you and your family can be at ease when driving your pre-owned vehicle today.