Do you own a newer model vehicle? Interestingly, the Associated Press reported recently that a driver’s chances of dying in a crash in a late-model vehicle or small truck decreased by more than a third over the last three years due to technology advancements.
Additionally, the news source reported that there were nine car models that had zero deaths per million registered. According to the AP, this is a sign that many vehicle companies have improved their safety technology, reducing the risk that a driver will be involved in a fatal crash.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, which pulled the statistics for the AP article, looked at the number of fatal accidents involving 2011 models, finding that “there was an average of 28 driver deaths per million registered vehicle years through the 2012 calendar year, down from 48 deaths for 2008 models through 2009.”
Amazingly, eight years ago, there were no vehicle models sold in America without an associated death rate. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety said the technological advancements that have helped decrease fatal accidents include side airbags and stronger occupant compartments.
“Improved technologies were responsible for saving 7,700 driver lives in 2012 when compared to how cars were made in 1985,” the AP reported.
The nine models with zero reported deaths per million registered included:
- Audi A4
- Honda Odyssey
- Kia Sorento
- Lexus RX 350
- Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
- Subaru Legacy
- Toyota Highlander hybrid
- Toyota Sequoia
- Volvo XC90
Speaking to an Attorney About a Defective Auto Part or Recall Vehicle
While a decreased fatal accident rate and improved vehicle safety is great news for consumers, there are still dangerous vehicles on the road because of defective auto parts. This is why you need to be cautious before purchasing any vehicle. Remember, in 2014, there were more than 60 million vehicles recalled in the U.S. due to a variety of safety reasons.
If you ever have questions about a specific vehicle recall, you can visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) database and search by your VIN number. Keep following our blog for more information—on Wednesday, we will discuss the ongoing Takata airbag recall, which has affected millions of vehicles.
If a defective auto part or vehicle with multiple recalls has led to an accident that has injured you, you could potentially hold the manufacturer liable.
“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” – Matthew 6:33
Davis’ Words of Wisdom: To view safety ratings regarding a specific vehicle model, you can visit NHTSA’s safercar.gov, which uses a star rating system.
Source: https://tnledger.com/editorial/Article.aspx?id=78814