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When it comes to buying a new vehicle, car safety is a top priority for many drivers and families. With advancements in technology, modern cars come equipped with innovative safety features that help prevent accidents and protect passengers. But how do you determine which vehicles are the safest? In this guide, we’ll explore the importance of vehicle safety, how it’s measured in the U.S., the top safety features to look for, and a list of the safest cars in the United States (2024 models).

Importance of Vehicle Safety

Car safety is crucial for the well-being of passengers, pedestrians, and other drivers, reducing accidents, injuries, and potentially saving lives.

Here’s why vehicle safety should be a top priority:

Reduces the Risk of Fatalities and Injuries

Modern safety features like automatic emergency braking (AEB), lane departure warning (LDW), and airbags significantly lower the chances of severe injuries in an accident. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), seat belts alone reduce the risk of death in a crash by 45%.

Prevents Accidents Before They Happen

Thanks to advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), many accidents can now be prevented altogether. Features like blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control help drivers avoid collisions, keeping roads safer for everyone.

Lowers Insurance Costs

Insurance companies consider car safety ratings when determining premiums. Vehicles with high safety scores often qualify for lower insurance rates because they pose a lower risk for serious accidents.

Enhances Driving Confidence

A car equipped with cutting-edge safety technology provides peace of mind. Whether you’re driving in heavy traffic, bad weather, or unfamiliar areas, knowing that your car has collision avoidance systems and stability control makes a huge difference in overall driving confidence.

Investing in a safe vehicle is not just about personal protection. it’s about making the roads safer for everyone. Now, let’s dive into how car safety is officially measured in the U.S.

How Car Safety is Measured in the U.S.

When shopping for a new car, you’ve probably seen terms like “5-star safety rating” or “Top Safety Pick.” But what do those actually mean? In the United States, car safety is measured using rigorous crash tests and evaluations conducted by two major organizations:

1. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
2. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS)

Both organizations use different testing methods, but their goal is the same to determine how well a vehicle protects its passengers in the event of a crash.

NHTSA’s 5-Star Safety Ratings

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is a government agency responsible for improving car safety on U.S. roads. Their 5-Star Safety Ratings Program evaluates how well a vehicle performs in three key crash scenarios:

• Frontal Crash Test – Simulates a head-on collision at 35 mph, measuring how well the front-seat passengers are protected.
• Side Crash Test – Assesses the impact when another vehicle hits the side of the car at 38.5 mph.
• Rollover Resistance Test – Estimates the risk of a vehicle rolling over in a sudden turn or accident.

Each category receives a star rating, and the overall rating is determined based on the vehicle’s combined performance. A 5-star rating means the car offers exceptional safety, while a 1-star rating indicates poor crash protection.

IIHS Crashworthiness & Safety Awards

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) is an independent, nonprofit organization funded by insurance companies. While NHTSA focuses on basic crash tests, the IIHS takes things a step further with more rigorous testing.

The IIHS evaluates car safety in two main areas:

1. Crashworthiness (How well a vehicle protects passengers in a crash)

IIHS rates vehicles as Good, Acceptable, Marginal, or Poor in six categories:

• Small overlap front (driver-side & passenger-side) – Simulates what happens when the front corner of a car collides with another vehicle or object.
• Moderate overlap front – Tests how well the front center of the car holds up in a crash.
• Side-impact test – Evaluates protection against T-bone collisions.
• Roof strength – Measures how well the roof holds up if the car rolls over.
• Head restraints & seats – Tests whiplash protection in rear-end crashes.

2. Crash Avoidance & Safety Tech (How well a vehicle prevents accidents)

Since avoiding a crash is just as important as surviving one, IIHS also tests a car’s driver-assist technology:

• Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) – Can the car brake on its own if the driver doesn’t react in time?
• Lane Departure Warning & Lane-Keeping Assist – Helps prevent lane-drift accidents.
• Headlight Performance – Better headlights improve nighttime driving safety.

IIHS Top Safety Pick & Top Safety Pick+ Awards

Vehicles that excel in crashworthiness AND crash avoidance earn one of two prestigious awards:

• Top Safety Pick – A car must perform well in crash tests and offer effective crash prevention tech.
• Top Safety Pick+ – Requires even higher ratings, particularly for headlight performance.

Top Safety Features to Look for in a Car

When it comes to buying a new vehicle, car safety should be just as important as style, performance, or fuel efficiency. Thanks to advancements in technology, modern cars come equipped with cutting-edge safety features designed to prevent accidents and protect passengers.

If you’re in the market for a new ride, here are the top safety features you should look for to ensure you’re getting the safest car possible.

1. Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) Your Last Line of Defense

Imagine you’re driving and suddenly, the car in front of you slams on its brakes. If you don’t react in time, a collision is inevitable unless your car has Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB).

AEB uses sensors and cameras to detect obstacles ahead. If you fail to hit the brakes in time, the system automatically applies them for you. Studies show that AEB reduces rear-end collisions by nearly 50%, making it one of the most important car safety features available today.

2. Lane Departure Warning (LDW) & Lane-Keeping Assist (LKA) Staying in Your Lane

We’ve all had those moments where we unintentionally drift out of our lane whether due to distractions, drowsiness, or road conditions. That’s where Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Lane-Keeping Assist (LKA) come in.

• LDW alerts you with a visual or audio warning if your car starts drifting out of its lane without using a turn signal.
• LKA takes it a step further by gently steering your car back into the correct lane.

This feature is a game-changer for highway driving and long road trips, preventing accidents caused by unintended lane departures.

3. Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) No More Guesswork

Changing lanes on a busy highway can be stressful, especially with blind spots. A quick glance in the mirror might not always reveal a car lurking in the next lane.

Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) uses radar sensors to detect vehicles in your blind spot and alerts you with a warning light or sound. Some vehicles even have Blind Spot Intervention (BSI), which automatically corrects your steering if you try to merge into an occupied lane.

This feature is especially useful for larger vehicles like SUVs and trucks, where blind spots are more significant.

4. Rear Cross-Traffic Alert – Making Reversing Safer

Backing out of a parking space in a crowded lot can feel like a gamble especially when other cars are zooming by. Rear Cross-Traffic Alert helps eliminate that risk.

This system detects approaching vehicles from either side when you’re in reverse and alerts you if there’s a potential collision. Some models even feature automatic braking to prevent a crash if you don’t react in time.

It’s a must-have safety feature, particularly for parents who frequently drive in school zones or crowded shopping centers.

5. Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) – Smarter Highway Driving

Long highway drives can be exhausting, especially when traffic is constantly speeding up and slowing down. Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) makes things easier by automatically adjusting your speed based on the flow of traffic.

Using radar and cameras, ACC maintains a safe following distance from the car ahead, slowing down or speeding up as needed. In some advanced systems, ACC can even bring your car to a complete stop in heavy traffic and resume driving once the road clears.

This feature is a huge stress reliever for daily commuters and road trip enthusiasts.

6. High-Quality Headlights – Seeing Clearly, Driving Safely

It may sound simple, but good headlights are one of the most underrated car safety features. According to the IIHS, nearly half of all fatal crashes happen at night or in low-light conditions.

Look for cars with:

• Adaptive Headlights – They adjust based on steering direction to illuminate curves and turns.
• LED or HID Headlights – Provide brighter and clearer visibility than traditional halogen bulbs.
• Automatic High Beams – Switches between high and low beams based on surrounding traffic.

Better headlights mean better visibility, reducing the chances of nighttime accidents.

7. Advanced Airbag Systems – More Than Just the Basics

Airbags have been around for decades, but today’s advanced airbag systems are smarter and more effective than ever.

Instead of just deploying front airbags, newer cars come with:

• Side Curtain Airbags – Protects passengers in case of a side-impact crash.
• Knee Airbags – Reduces leg injuries during a collision.
• Smart Airbags – Adjust their deployment force based on the passenger’s size and seat position.

These advancements ensure maximum protection in all types of crashes.

8. Electronic Stability Control (ESC) – Preventing Skids and Rollovers

Slippery roads and sudden turns can cause a car to lose control. That’s where Electronic Stability Control (ESC) comes in.

ESC detects when your vehicle is skidding or veering off course and automatically applies brakes to specific wheels to help regain control. It’s particularly beneficial in:

• Rainy or snowy conditions
• Sudden swerves to avoid obstacles
• High-speed turns

Since 2012, ESC has been mandatory on all new vehicles in the U.S., making it a critical part of car safety.

Safest Cars in the United States (2024 Models)

Vehicle Model	NHTSA Overall Rating	IIHS Rating	Key Safety Features	Notable Strengths
Honda Accord (Sedan)	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)	Top Safety Pick+	Honda Sensing, AEB, Lane-Keeping Assist	Strong frontal crash protection, reliable safety tech
Toyota Camry (Sedan)	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)	Top Safety Pick+	Toyota Safety Sense, Pedestrian Detection, Blind-Spot Monitoring	Exceptional crashworthiness, good night visibility
Subaru Legacy (Sedan)	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)	Top Safety Pick+	EyeSight Driver Assist, AWD, Automatic Braking	Best for all-weather safety, strong side-impact protection
Volvo XC90 (SUV)	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)	Top Safety Pick+	Collision Avoidance, Blind-Spot Assist, Rollover Protection	High-strength build, excellent for family safety
Subaru Outback (SUV)	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)	Top Safety Pick+	Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, Adaptive Cruise Control, AWD	Great stability and crash prevention features
Mazda CX-5 (SUV)	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)	Top Safety Pick+	AEB, Lane Departure Warning, Stability Control	Strong structural integrity, good crash mitigation
Tesla Model Y (Electric)	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)	Top Safety Pick+	Autopilot, Collision Avoidance, Low Rollover Risk	Best for EV safety, excellent crash performance
Hyundai Ioniq 5 (Electric)	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)	Top Safety Pick+	Forward Collision Avoidance, 360° Camera, Smart Cruise Control	Advanced driver-assist tech, well-built frame
Rivian R1S (Electric SUV)	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)	Top Safety Pick+	High-Strength Body, Driver-Assist, Off-Road Stability	Rugged yet safe, strong side-impact protection
Ford F-150 (Truck)	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)	Top Safety Pick	Ford Co-Pilot360, AEB, Lane-Keeping Assist	Strong crash resistance, safest full-size pickup
Ram 1500 (Truck)	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)	Top Safety Pick	Adaptive Cruise Control, Pedestrian Detection, Strong Frame	Well-rated for frontal crash and side impact
Toyota Tundra (Truck)	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)	Top Safety Pick	Trailer Sway Control, Automatic Braking, Lane Departure Alert	Good stability, highly rated rollover resistance

The Role of Automakers in Enhancing Safety

Automakers play a critical role in advancing car safety, constantly developing new technologies to protect drivers, passengers, and pedestrians. With increasing government regulations and consumer demand for safer vehicles, manufacturers are investing billions of dollars into research and development to make cars smarter, stronger, and more capable of preventing accidents.

From advanced driver assistance systems to crash-resistant materials, automakers are shaping the future of car safety. Here’s how they are making vehicles safer than ever.

1. Investing in Crash Prevention Technology

Preventing an accident is just as important as surviving one. That’s why modern vehicles are equipped with advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) designed to help drivers avoid collisions altogether. Automakers have developed and integrated features such as:

• Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB): Detects potential collisions and applies the brakes if the driver doesn’t react in time.
• Lane Departure Warning (LDW) & Lane-Keeping Assist (LKA): Alerts drivers if they drift out of their lane and gently steers them back.
• Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM): Warns drivers of vehicles in their blind spots to reduce the risk of side collisions.

These technologies are now standard in many new models, significantly reducing accidents and making everyday driving safer.

2. Improving Vehicle Crashworthiness

Even with the best crash prevention features, accidents can still happen. That’s why automakers are constantly improving the structural integrity of vehicles to provide maximum protection in the event of a collision.

• High-Strength Steel and Aluminum Frames: Modern cars use ultra-high-strength steel and aluminum alloys to absorb impact energy and minimize injuries.
• Advanced Airbag Systems: Today’s vehicles are equipped with front, side, knee, and curtain airbags that deploy intelligently based on the severity of the crash.
• Crumple Zones: Automakers design crumple zones that absorb crash energy and redirect it away from passengers.

These enhancements are tested through rigorous crash simulations to ensure they meet or exceed federal car safety standards.

3. Advancing Autonomous and Semi-Autonomous Driving

The future of car safety lies in automation. While fully self-driving cars are still in development, many automakers have introduced semi-autonomous features that assist drivers in critical situations.

• Adaptive Cruise Control: Adjusts the vehicle’s speed based on traffic flow to maintain a safe following distance.
• Hands-Free Highway Driving Systems: Some automakers, like Tesla, GM, and Ford, have developed systems that allow drivers to take their hands off the wheel on certain highways while the car steers and maintains lane position.
• Pedestrian Detection Systems: Uses cameras and sensors to recognize pedestrians and cyclists, automatically stopping if a collision is imminent.

As these technologies improve, we can expect vehicles to become even safer by reducing human error, which is responsible for the vast majority of car accidents.

4. Enhancing Safety Through Connected Vehicle Technology

Automakers are also focusing on vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) and vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) communication to improve car safety. These technologies allow cars to “talk” to each other and the road environment to prevent accidents.

• V2V Communication: Cars share real-time data on speed, location, and road conditions, alerting drivers to potential hazards before they happen.
• Smart Traffic Signals: Vehicles equipped with V2I technology can receive alerts from traffic lights, stop signs, and roadwork areas, reducing accidents in high-risk zones.

These innovations will help create a future where accidents are far less common, making roads safer for everyone.

5. Meeting and Exceeding Safety Regulations

Government agencies like the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) have set strict car safety standards that automakers must meet. However, many manufacturers go beyond just compliance and aim for top safety ratings by:

• Designing vehicles to achieve 5-star NHTSA crash test ratings
• Engineering cars to qualify for IIHS Top Safety Pick+ awards
• Adopting stricter internal safety protocols before launching a new model

By staying ahead of regulations, automakers ensure that consumers have access to the safest vehicles possible.

The Future of Car Safety

Car manufacturers are continuously innovating to make vehicles safer, smarter, and more reliable. With advancements in AI, automation, and next-generation materials, we can expect car safety to reach new heights in the coming years.

As technology evolves, automakers will continue to lead the charge in creating vehicles that not only protect passengers in a crash but also work actively to prevent accidents altogether.

When shopping for a new vehicle, it’s essential to choose a model from a manufacturer committed to safety innovation because a safer car means a safer road for everyone.

How to Choose the Right Safe Car for Your Needs

With so many cars on the market, choosing the right safe car can feel overwhelming. While performance, style, and fuel efficiency are important, car safety should always be a top priority. The good news? Today’s vehicles are packed with advanced safety features designed to prevent accidents and protect passengers.

But how do you know which car is the safest choice for you and your family? Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you pick the right safe car based on your needs, lifestyle, and budget.

1. Check the Crash Test Ratings

Before buying any vehicle, it’s crucial to check its official safety ratings. Two major organizations in the U.S. conduct rigorous crash tests:

• National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA): Assigns cars a star rating (1-5) based on crash test performance, including frontal crashes, side impacts, and rollover resistance.
• Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS): Evaluates cars on crashworthiness, crash avoidance, and headlight performance, awarding Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick+ to the safest models.

A car that earns five stars from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS is one of the safest choices available.

2. Prioritize Advanced Safety Features

Modern vehicles come with a wide range of driver-assistance technologies that enhance car safety. When choosing a safe car, look for features like:

• Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB): Detects obstacles and applies the brakes if you don’t react in time.
• Lane Departure Warning (LDW) & Lane-Keeping Assist (LKA): Alerts you if you drift out of your lane and gently steers you back.
• Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM): Warns you if another vehicle is in your blind spot to prevent dangerous lane changes.
• Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC): Maintains a safe distance from the car ahead by adjusting speed automatically.
• Rear Cross-Traffic Alert: Detects vehicles approaching from the side when backing out of parking spots.

These features reduce human error and can be the difference between a close call and a serious accident.

3. Consider Your Driving Needs

Not every car is right for every driver. Your driving habits, lifestyle, and location should all factor into your decision.

• For city commuters: A compact sedan or hybrid with automatic braking, pedestrian detection, and blind-spot monitoring is ideal for navigating traffic.
• For families: A mid-size or full-size SUV with rear cross-traffic alerts, stability control, and multiple airbags offers extra protection.
• For road-trippers: A vehicle with adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and all-wheel drive is great for long highway drives.
• For off-road adventurers: A rugged SUV or pickup truck with advanced traction control, rollover prevention, and a strong crash structure is best.
• For EV lovers: If you’re looking at electric cars, ensure they have a rigid battery structure, collision avoidance tech, and top crash test scores.

By matching your car to your driving style, you’ll get the best combination of safety, comfort, and performance.

4. Compare Vehicle Sizes and Weight

While smaller cars have improved in safety, larger vehicles like SUVs and trucks generally offer more protection in collisions due to their weight and structure. However, they also have a higher rollover risk.

• Small cars: Easier to maneuver, but can be at a disadvantage in high-speed crashes.
• Mid-size cars and crossovers: Offer a good balance between fuel efficiency and crash protection.
• SUVs and trucks: Provide better protection in multi-vehicle crashes but require stability control and rollover protection for added safety.

Regardless of size, car safety features and crash test ratings should be the top priority.

5. Test Drive and Check Visibility

A car may look great on paper, but how does it feel when you’re actually behind the wheel? A test drive can reveal blind spots, seat comfort, and ease of handling, all of which impact safety.

• Check for blind spots: Make sure the car has good visibility or blind-spot monitoring to compensate.
• Test the brakes: Do they feel responsive? Automatic emergency braking should kick in smoothly.
• Try the lane-keeping assist: Does the steering feel natural and not too forceful?
• Assess seating comfort: A comfortable driver is a safer driver ensure seats provide proper support.

By physically testing these elements, you can be sure you’re choosing a car that feels safe in real-world conditions.

6. Review Long-Term Reliability and Maintenance Costs

A car that scores high on crash tests but frequently breaks down is not truly safe. Researching vehicle reliability can help you avoid safety issues down the line.

• Check consumer reviews and safety recalls on sites like NHTSA.gov and Consumer Reports.
• Look at repair and maintenance costs some luxury brands may have great safety features but expensive upkeep.
• Choose brands known for durability and dependability, such as Toyota, Honda, and Subaru.

A well-maintained car remains safe for years to come, so reliability is just as important as initial crash test ratings.

7. Compare Insurance Costs for Safe Vehicles

Insurance companies offer lower rates for cars with high safety ratings and advanced driver assistance features. Before making a purchase, get insurance quotes for different models.

Vehicles with strong crash-test scores, anti-theft systems, and collision avoidance tech often qualify for discounts, helping you save money while staying safe.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What are the safest cars in the United States for 2024?

The safest cars for 2024 include the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, Subaru Legacy (sedans), Volvo XC90, Subaru Outback, Mazda CX-5 (SUVs), Tesla Model Y, Hyundai Ioniq 5 (EVs), Ford F-150, and Toyota Tundra (trucks). These vehicles have earned top crash-test ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS.

2. How do I know if a car is safe before buying it?

Check the NHTSA 5-star safety ratings and IIHS Top Safety Pick awards. Look for advanced safety features like automatic emergency braking (AEB), lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. Also, read consumer reviews and test-drive the vehicle to assess visibility and handling.

3. What is the difference between NHTSA and IIHS safety ratings?

The NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) provides a 1-5 star rating based on frontal, side, and rollover crash tests. The IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) uses Good, Acceptable, Marginal, or Poor ratings and awards Top Safety Pick and Top Safety Pick+ to the highest-scoring vehicles.

4. Do larger vehicles like SUVs and trucks offer better safety than smaller cars?

Larger vehicles generally provide better crash protection due to their size and weight. However, they may have a higher rollover risk. The safest choice depends on crash-test ratings, stability control features, and your specific driving needs.

5. What are the must-have safety features in a modern car?

Essential safety features include:

• Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB)
• Lane Departure Warning (LDW) & Lane-Keeping Assist (LKA)
• Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM)
• Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
• Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
• Electronic Stability Control (ESC)

6. Does buying a safer car lower my insurance costs?

Yes, cars with higher safety ratings and advanced driver assistance features may qualify for lower insurance premiums. Many insurance companies offer discounts for vehicles with collision avoidance technology, anti-theft systems, and strong crash test results.

7. Are electric vehicles (EVs) as safe as gasoline-powered cars?

Yes, many EVs, including the Tesla Model Y and Hyundai Ioniq 5, have received top safety ratings. EVs often have a lower center of gravity, reducing rollover risk, and their battery compartments are reinforced for impact protection. Always check NHTSA and IIHS ratings when considering an EV.

Disclaimer

The information provided here is for informational purposes only and is based on our best knowledge. We do not sell any products or services. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, there may be errors or mistakes. We recommend verifying all details on the official website before making any decisions.