New Cars Safer Than Ever
New statistics released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (“NHTSA”) confirm that new safety features in cars are helping to decrease the number of traffic deaths that occur in car accidents. The statistics are surprising, particularly in light of the recent lawsuits involving Toyota sudden acceleration issues, the General Motors faulty ignition switch, and Takata air bag explosions. Although the statistics are not specific to any state such as Florida, car accident injuries and deaths are definitely decreasing.
The car accident fatality rates have dropped by almost 70% since 2000, and the fatality rate for car accidents involving 2013 vehicles was about 1/3 lower than the fatality rate for vehicles built as recently as 2008. NHTSA attributes this drastic drop to improved safety features in newer vehicles such as air bags throughout the car, increased use of child restraints in the car, and higher awareness about the use of seat belts. One of the most significant contributors to lowering fatality rates in SUV accident was the invention of electronic stability control which helps drivers keep control of the car even when trying to avoid a hazard. One example NHTSA cited was the 2004 Ford Escape which came with two standard air bags – driver and passenger side. The 2014 Ford Escape now comes with side airbags, torso and knee air bags, standard anti lock brakes, electronic stability control, and rollover sensing.
Several vehicles that rank the highest for safety are the names of some more popular cars in Florida – Toyota Camry and Honda Accord – along with some names you might not expect – Mini Cooper, Hyundai Sonata, and the Mazda CX-7 Sport. Although these safety features and vehicles won’t keep you from being involved in a car accident in Florida, use of the many safety features in the cars might mean the difference between a serious car accident injury, and no injury at all.