The number of deaths occurring in automobile accidents
on highways has decreased significantly in the last several years. The Insurance
Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS) just published their report for the 2011
model-year of cars. A “record total” of nine models
sold in 2011 have had a death rate of zero, meaning nobody died in a crash
while in those vehicles. The main reasons
for fewer car accident deaths are due to improved vehicle design and safety
technology that prevents or minimizes the severity of accidents. These nine vehicles include:
·
Audi A4 4WD
·
Kia Sorento 2WD
·
Honda Odyssey
·
Lexus RX350 4WD
·
Suburu Legacy 4WD
·
Mercedes Benz GL-Class 4WD
·
Toyota Highlander Hybrid 4WD
·
Toyota Sequioa 4WD
·
Volvo XC90 4WD
The IIHS predicted that
if automakers had not drastically improved vehicle safety over the last several
years, there would have been “7,700 more fatalities in just the year 2012.” Another reason that can be attributed to
fewer highway accident deaths is the implementation of a new “small offset
crash test.” This test replicates “what
happens when two cars clip one another going in opposite directions.” Some of the new safety technology built into
cars such as lane departure warnings, blind spot detection systems, and forward
collision warning are working to prevent serious deadly accidents. In fact, Volvo has said their goal is to have
zero deaths in all of their vehicles by 2020.
Some
of the worst vehicles for accident deaths include the Kia Rio, with 149 deaths
per million registered vehicle miles, and the Nissan Versa, with 130 deaths per
million registered vehicle miles. A
majority of the vehicles with the most death are compact and subcompact cars.
If you or a family
member has been injured or killed in an automobile accident, contact Portner
& Shure for a free legal consultation or if you would like more information
on car accidents at (301) 854-9000 or visit us on the web
at http://www.portnerandshure.com/Auto-Accidents/Car-Accidents/
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