Technology
IIHS Safety Ratings Explained
Discover the IIHS, the independent group setting the standard for car safety with rigorous crash tests and influential vehicle ratings.
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What is it?
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) is an independent, nonprofit scientific and educational organization in the United States. Funded by auto insurance companies, its primary mission is to reduce losses—deaths, injuries, and property damage—from motor vehicle crashes. The IIHS is best known for its comprehensive crashworthiness evaluations, where it subjects new vehicles to a battery of demanding tests that often go beyond federal requirements. The results are published as easy-to-understand safety ratings, including the prestigious TOP SAFETY PICK and TOP SAFETY PICK+ awards.
Why is it trending?
The IIHS continuously evolves its testing protocols to address new safety challenges and push the automotive industry forward. Recently, it has gained attention for introducing more stringent criteria, such as tougher side-impact tests that simulate a collision with a modern SUV, and new evaluations for nighttime pedestrian crash prevention systems. As vehicles become more advanced, the IIHS updates its standards, making it harder for automakers to earn top accolades and ensuring the ratings reflect the latest in safety technology.
How does it affect people?
IIHS ratings have a significant impact on consumers and automakers alike. For car buyers, these ratings serve as a crucial, trusted resource for comparing the safety of different models, helping them make informed decisions to protect their families. For manufacturers, a high IIHS rating is a powerful marketing tool and a benchmark for vehicle engineering. The pressure to score well encourages automakers to incorporate advanced safety features and stronger vehicle structures, ultimately leading to safer cars and fewer fatalities on the road for everyone.