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2011 Safety ratings of new cars

When considering your next vehicle safety should be at the top of your list of considerations. Whether you are buying a new or used car there are tools available to help you make a good decision.

New cars in general are safer. Technology has played its part in helping make the cars that we drive safer for occupants and pedestrians in the event of a crash.

ANCAP have just released the 2011 crash test summary.

New cars

Crash test programmes are run to assess car safety in a serious accident. Overall safety ratings are awarded based on what would happen to passengers and pedestrians involved in serious front or side accidents.

The AA supports two independent international crash test study programmes: Australasian New Car Assessment Programme (ANCAP) and the Used Car Safety Ratings (UCSR) Programme. Both programmes are supported by NZ Transport Agency, Australian motoring clubs and state governments and the FIA Foundation.

ANCAP and Euro NCAP testing provides consumers with independent information on the level of safety provided by vehicles in the event of a serious crash. Dummies are used to facilitate the measurement of forces in a crash test. Data is then assessed and scores awarded.

Used cars

The Used Car Safety Ratings provide car buyers with information when selecting a used car. When considering car purchasing, vehicle safety should be paramount. The Used Car Safety Ratings study is based on more than four million real-life vehicle crashes in Australia and New Zealand since 1996. The study shows how well each vehicle will protect the driver from death or serious injury in the event of a crash.

How safe is your next vehicle?

ANCAP new car safety ratings are released quarterly. Be guided by the stars, the more stars the better. Occupants have twice the chance of being killed or seriously injured in an ANCAP 1 Star rated vehicle compared to an ANCAP 5 Star rated vehicle.

Safety features

It is important to assess you new vehicle for safety features.

Structural integrity – the structure of the vehicle will absorb and dissipate the crash energy. Safe vehicles will maintain their shape in the event of a crash. Elements inside the vehicle should not move excessively and injure passengers. Doors should remain closed during a crash, while being able to be opened post crash.

Electronic Stability Control – has various names which may vary depending on the manufacturer. It may be referred to as electronic stability programme, active stability or vehicle stability, but they all operate in the same way. Electronic stability control helps drivers control the vehicle in the event of sudden serving to avoid collisions.

Anti lock braking systems – prevent the wheels of a vehicle locking as brake pedal pressure is applied, usually in an emergency of within a short stopping distance. This gives the drive better control and helps prevents skidding and loss of traction.

Airbags – When deployed in the event of a crash airbags significantly reduce the chance of death or serious injury. For maximum safety drivers should look for front, side, curtain and knee airbags. Airbags deploy on impact and significantly reduce the impact during a crash.

Seatbelts – All occupants within a vehicle should be wearing retractable 3-point sash style seat belts with pre-tensioners. This helps deal with the impacts of forces in a crash. Lap belts are less effective. Audible seatbelt reminders are also valuable.