When you’re looking for the Safest Cars, understanding vehicle safety ratings is crucial. One key metric to consider is the Overall Vehicle Score. This rating, often presented as a star system, is designed to give you a quick assessment of a vehicle’s safety performance in the event of a crash. But what does this score really mean, and how can it help you choose a safer car?
The Overall Vehicle Score is calculated using a complex formula that takes into account the probabilities of injury in different types of crashes. These include frontal impacts, side collisions, and rollovers. The system weights these probabilities based on real-world crash statistics to reflect the most common and dangerous accident scenarios. This weighted calculation results in an overall injury risk assessment for the vehicle, which is then compared to the average risk across all vehicles.
The star ratings are assigned based on this comparison to the average injury risk:
- ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐: Significantly less than average injury risk. These are among the safest cars in their class.
- ⭐⭐⭐⭐: Less than average to average injury risk. Still considered very safe.
- ⭐⭐⭐: Average to greater than average injury risk. Represents an average level of safety.
- ⭐⭐: Greater than average injury risk. Indicates a lower level of safety.
- ⭐: Much greater than average injury risk. Suggests this vehicle is less safe compared to others.
It’s important to understand the limitations of the Overall Vehicle Score. Because it incorporates the frontal crash test rating, comparisons are only truly valid between vehicles within the same class and with similar weights. Specifically, you should only compare vehicles that are within 250 pounds of each other in weight.
For example, comparing the safety rating of a 4,500-pound SUV to a 3,000-pound sedan would be misleading. These vehicles are in different classes and have a significant weight difference, making a direct safety comparison based on the Overall Vehicle Score invalid. Similarly, you shouldn’t compare a 3,600-pound pickup truck to a 3,400-pound minivan, even though the weights are close, because they are different vehicle classes designed for different purposes and with different structural characteristics.
However, it is accurate to compare the Overall Vehicle Scores of a 3,400-pound passenger car with another passenger car weighing 3,650 pounds. They are in the same class (passenger cars) and their weights are within the 250-pound range.
In conclusion, the Overall Vehicle Score is a valuable tool for assessing vehicle safety and identifying potentially safest cars. However, it’s essential to use it correctly by comparing vehicles of similar class and weight. By understanding how these ratings are calculated and their limitations, you can make more informed decisions when choosing a vehicle that prioritizes your safety and the safety of your passengers.
