by Cars take people places – to and from work and school, to run errands, on leisurely drives, and unexpected journeys. The vast majority of trips taken by car are uneventful, but sometimes accidents happen – in 2012, there were 30,800 fatal crashes in the United States. One of the best ways to protect yourself and your family against being injured is to choose a model of car from a brand with a proven safety record.
The Safest Compact Family Car: 2015 Volkswagen Golf
Compact cars are quick, economical and perfect for small families. Volkswagen started building cars in 1937 – seventy eight years later they developed the 2015 Volkswagen Golf. Not only does it rank #2 among affordable small cars, but it was also given a 10/10 safety rating by US News.
In addition, the IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) gave the 2015 Volkswagen Golf a “Good” score – the best possible rating – in the following categories:
- Small overlap front
- Moderate overlap front
- Side
- Roof strength
- Head restraints and seats
“Small overlap front” refers to the outcome of a test which simulates a collision with a narrow barrier, concentrating the impact of the crash on a smaller part of the vehicle’s front. “Moderate overlap front” refers to a crash into a medium-sized object.
Side airbags, front and rear head curtain airbags and torso airbags mounted to the front seats are standard. The Golf also features electronic stability control, anti-lock brakes and daytime running lights. Some models come equipped with available front-collision warning systems, making them even safer.
The IIHS safety ratings apply to the 4-door Volkswagen Golf, not the 2-door model.
The Safest Large Family Car: 2015 Toyota Avalon
Larger cars suit large families, which may not have a lot of cargo to haul but do have a lot of people to move. The new Toyota Avalon is a luxury sedan – some models come equipped with advanced audio and navigation features, and capacities touch screens.
But where the Avalon really shines is its safety. It’s the only large family vehicle given an IIHS top safety rating in 2015, and like the Volkswagen Golf, has a top score in the following categories:
- Small overlap front
- Moderate overlap front
- Side
- Roof strength
- Head restraints and seats
The Toyota Avalon surrounds both the driver and passengers with airbags – there are front and rear head curtain airbags and front and rear seat-mounted torso airbags. The driver’s and front passenger’s knees are also protected by airbags to reduce the risk of knee injuries in case of frontal crashes.
Daytime running lights make the Avalon visible on the road at all times, while anti lock brakes and electronic stability control ensure the car stops safely and remains stable.
The Safest Minivan: 2015 Honda Odyssey
Minivans are neither compact nor luxurious – though the quality and amenities found in a minivan today far surpass what was available only a decade ago. A minivan is the perfect vehicle for a family that needs flexibility – whether there are kids to transport, relatives to visit or a month’s worth of groceries to bring home, a minivan can do it all.
The 2015 Honda Odyssey is agile, comfortable and filled with features – even the base model has power-adjustable front seats, Bluetooth, a reviewer camera and an infotainment display. The Odyssey was rated #1 out of seven current-model minivans by US News.
The IHHS gave the Honda Odyssey a top score in the following categories:
- Small overlap front
- Moderate overlap front
- Side
- Roof strength
- Head restraints and seats
The Odyssey protects the driver and passengers with head curtain airbags along all three seating rows. The front seats deploy torso airbags. Also featured is a special rollover sensor, which automatically deploys side curtain airbags in the case of an impending rollover. Like the Toyota Avalon, anti lock brakes, electronic stability control and daytime running lights are standard features.
What to Do if You Get Injured
A vehicle highly rated for safety – like the Volkswagen Golf, the Toyota Avalon or the Honda Odyssey – can significantly improve your chances of walking away from a collision unhurt. However, if you have been injured, it’s important to be seen by an expert team which can advise you about medical treatment for issues like muscle pain after a car accident, and provide you with legal advice to maximise insurance compensation.
