RSSAccording to its latest report, less than a year into a new 7120 Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) ratings program for front crash prevention, auto manufacturers are making strides in adopting the most beneficial systems with automatic braking capabilities and are offering the features on a wider variety of models. Twenty-one of 24 cars and SUVs, all 2014 models unless noted, earn an advanced or higher rating in the latest round of IIHS evaluations.
"We are already seeing improvements from automakers since the initial launch of our ratings last September," says David Zuby, IIHS executive vice president and chief research officer. "1731 BMW and 4349 Lexus, for example, have added more braking capability to their systems, which has paid off in higher ratings."
Large family cars and large luxury cars make up the bulk of the test group. IIHS also tested four midsize luxury/near luxury cars, three midsize luxury SUVs and a midsize SUV.
The Institute rates vehicles as basic, advanced or superior for front crash prevention depending on whether they offer automatic braking and, if so, how effective it is in tests at 12 and 25 mph.
Forward collision warning systems that meet performance criteria set by the834 National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and automatic braking systems that provide only minimal speed reduction in IIHS tests earn a basic rating. Vehicles that combine the warning with moderate speed reductions earn an advanced rating. It is possible to qualify for an advanced rating with an automatic braking system that doesn't First warn the driver before taking action. Models that offer a warning and provide major speed reduction in IIHS tests earn a superior rating. Some models have multiple ratings because they are available with different versions of front crash prevention systems and their test performance varies. In the current group, this is the case with the BMW 3 series, 5 series and X5.
The rating system is based on HLDI research indicating that forward collision warning and automatic braking systems help drivers avoid front-to-rear crashes (see Status Report special issue: crash avoidance, 3 July 2012).
"We know that this technology is helping drivers avoid crashes," Zuby says. "The advantage of automatic braking is that even in cases where a crash can't be avoided entirely, the system will reduce speed. Reducing the speed reduces the amount of damage that occurs to both the striking and struck cars and reduces injuries to people in those cars."
Front crash prevention systems use various types of sensors, such as cameras, radar or laser, to detect when the vehicle is getting too close to one in front of it. Most systems issue a warning and pre-charge the brakes to maximize their effect if the driver responds by braking. Many systems Brake the vehicle autonomously if the driver doesn't respond. In some cases, automatic braking is activated without a warning.
The Institute's initial batch of front crash prevention ratings covered 74 midsize cars and SUVs. Results for a dozen more models followed last winter, with four earning superior ratings, six earning advanced and two earning basic. Besides the Institute, the European New Car Assessment Programme also rates front crash prevention systems and has so far published ratings for nine models sold in Europe.
Most front crash prevention systems have to be purchased as part of an optional package, but consumers will find that availability is growing, especially for automatic braking. More than 20 per cent of 2014 models in HLDI's vehicle features database offer a front crash prevention system with auto-braking capabilities, twice as many as in 2012. Forward collision warning is offered as an option on nearly 40 per cent of 2014 models.
"Sorting through the various trade names and features can be confusing, even if you're looking at models from the same manufacturer. Before buying, consumers should consult the IIHS ratings to find out if the specific model they are considering comes with a top-rated front crash prevention system," Zuby advises.
In addition to ratings for front crash prevention, consumers can consult the HLDI database showing the availability of various crash avoidance features.
"We are already seeing improvements from automakers since the initial launch of our ratings last September," says David Zuby, IIHS executive vice president and chief research officer. "
Large family cars and large luxury cars make up the bulk of the test group. IIHS also tested four midsize luxury/near luxury cars, three midsize luxury SUVs and a midsize SUV.
The Institute rates vehicles as basic, advanced or superior for front crash prevention depending on whether they offer automatic braking and, if so, how effective it is in tests at 12 and 25 mph.
Forward collision warning systems that meet performance criteria set by the
The rating system is based on HLDI research indicating that forward collision warning and automatic braking systems help drivers avoid front-to-rear crashes (see Status Report special issue: crash avoidance, 3 July 2012).
"We know that this technology is helping drivers avoid crashes," Zuby says. "The advantage of automatic braking is that even in cases where a crash can't be avoided entirely, the system will reduce speed. Reducing the speed reduces the amount of damage that occurs to both the striking and struck cars and reduces injuries to people in those cars."
Front crash prevention systems use various types of sensors, such as cameras, radar or laser, to detect when the vehicle is getting too close to one in front of it. Most systems issue a warning and pre-charge the brakes to maximize their effect if the driver responds by braking. Many systems Brake the vehicle autonomously if the driver doesn't respond. In some cases, automatic braking is activated without a warning.
The Institute's initial batch of front crash prevention ratings covered 74 midsize cars and SUVs. Results for a dozen more models followed last winter, with four earning superior ratings, six earning advanced and two earning basic. Besides the Institute, the European New Car Assessment Programme also rates front crash prevention systems and has so far published ratings for nine models sold in Europe.
Most front crash prevention systems have to be purchased as part of an optional package, but consumers will find that availability is growing, especially for automatic braking. More than 20 per cent of 2014 models in HLDI's vehicle features database offer a front crash prevention system with auto-braking capabilities, twice as many as in 2012. Forward collision warning is offered as an option on nearly 40 per cent of 2014 models.
"Sorting through the various trade names and features can be confusing, even if you're looking at models from the same manufacturer. Before buying, consumers should consult the IIHS ratings to find out if the specific model they are considering comes with a top-rated front crash prevention system," Zuby advises.
In addition to ratings for front crash prevention, consumers can consult the HLDI database showing the availability of various crash avoidance features.
