Toyota Tops the IIHS Year-End Safety Review

Dec 28, 2015

At our Toyota dealership in Waukegan, we care about the safety of our customers. That’s why we stock the latest cars from Toyota, featuring some of the best safety technology in the industry. This was recently reinforced by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s year-end review.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety is one of the two leading crash safety test organizations in the country—the other being the government’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The IIHS is operated independently of the government by the Insurance Industry and arguably has stricter safety regulations that are used by consumers, the auto industry, and insurers setting rates. Some of their regulations like a tough front small overlap crash test are being adopted by the government in the future.

Only 48 cars in the United States earned the IIHS’s top Safety Pick + award, their highest designation, and Toyota came out on top with eight models on the list, the most of any other automaker. Most notably, there was only one fully US-made car on the list.

What’s been difficult for many automakers, besides Toyota, is passing their small-overlap front crash test. Introduced three years ago, the test simulates what happens when the driver’s front corner hits a fixed barrier (like a utility pole or off-road tree). In many cases, this common crash can cause severe cabin damage if the vehicle isn’t properly enforced.

Additionally, the Insurance Institute requires vehicles to offer an automatic braking system with a rating of “good.” The technology must either stop or slow down the car if the driver doesn’t react in time. Overall, the IIHS is a force for good: compelling automakers to make sure their vehicles are built safely.

At Classic Toyota, we’re very proud Toyota made the top of the year-end safety review. We sell cars we truly believe in and this is why. Contact our Toyota dealers to learn more about which vehicles made the list and what cars are going to be the safest for your family!