Pickups provide much-needed hauling power for many people. Whether you’re traveling with the family or pulling a boat down the highway, trucks have remained a common choice across the country. But, how do they stack up when it comes to safety?
According to a new study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, many pickup trucks currently on the market fall short when it comes to protecting passengers in certain types of crashes.
New assessment put passenger safety to the test
The study by IIHS focused on passenger-side small-overlap front crashes – accidents where the passenger side front corner of the vehicle hits another car or a stationary object at 40 mph. A relatively new test, this study accounts for accidents where drivers hit a tree, telephone pole or barrier. Due to their increased weight, pickups sustain more damage in these types of crashes, according to IIHS. Researchers looked for vehicles that offered equal levels of protection for both the driver and passengers and few were up to the task.
Half of trucks tested came up “Marginal” or “Acceptable”
When the IIHS tests vehicles, they assign one of four ratings: Good, Acceptable, Marginal, or Poor. In the passenger-side small-overlap front crash tests, only two trucks achieved a “Good” rating: the Nissan Titan and the Ford F-150. According to Consumer Reports, lower scores in these tests stemmed from a lack of design changes over the last several years.
Even at low speeds, a car accident can lead to serious injuries and damage to your vehicle. In some cases, optional safety features can greatly increase a truck’s safety rating. Knowing the safety rating of your vehicle can help you better protect yourself and your family.
