No one wants to end up in an accident, but if you do, you want to make sure your car has the necessary safety features to adequately protect you. The IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) ranks vehicles by their safety features. This article will discuss the highest safety award (Top Safety Pick+) and explain what features are in each of the vehicles that allow them to qualify for this honor. To win this award, the car must pass all crash tests and have technology to keep the driver and passengers safe. The models that will be discussed are: Hyundai Elantra, Honda Ridgeline, BMW 3 Series, and Audi A4. Visit the IIHS to see the total list of all models with safety awards.
Hyundai Elantra
This Hyundai includes many key safety features that allow it to receive an award. It includes many more airbags (7) than other vehicles. They are all around the vehicle including side airbags, knee airbags, and the normal steering wheel airbag. Also, this vehicle can brake on its own when sensing an object in front of it. Blind Spot monitoring is also a plus because it warns drivers about cars that the driver cannot see. It also alerts drivers when backing up about vehicles driving behind you that might not be visible. The vehicle can also detect whether it is within the lane lines and fix the problem.
Honda Ridgeline
This truck has many features listed by Honda that allows for this vehicle be in the top picks. Although this vehicle includes a great deal of airbags as well, it includes many other important features. It has “Vehicle Stability Assist™” which prevents you from sliding sideways. Also, the braking features add technological safety to this vehicle. The tire pressure sensors can alert the driver when a tire needs air and redesigned seat belts add driver and passenger safety.
BMW 3 Series and Audi A4
The 3 Series is new to the TSP+ because last year it did not receive the award. It now has many more advanced safety features that allow it to be on the list. The features included: sophisticated airbags, blind spot warnings, and lane departure alerts. Also, there are brakes on all four wheels which allows for the tires to operate independently to prevent skidding and loss of control.
The Audi A4, which is also shown in the video above, has similar features as the BMW 3 Series such as advanced airbags and blind spot warning. The A4 also has headlights that can sense when it is dark and change their angling based on the road. With the redesign, this vehicle has increased its safety features which allow it to be added to the group of TSP+. The video above compares the BMW 3 Series and the Audi A4 IIHS crash tests. For further information about how the IIHS makes its selections, visit USA Today.