Are Small Cars Safe?

Posted Friday, March 27, 2020 by Chris Thayer

If you are considering a new car, you may be wondering which type of car will keep you the most safe on the roadways. While this question will likely depend on the make and model of the small car, there are some barometers by which you may make the decision whether or not your small car is considered to have appropriate technology and features to keep you and your family safe.

*Large vs. Small Cars*While small cars still do not have as much physical power and space as larger cars, newer small cars are definitely safer than older smaller cars. However, physics almost always wins out, and larger vehicles have a tendency to not only weigh more, but also have longer hoods and larger crash zone areas, which all provide safety advantages to the passengers in these larger cars. A research study done in 2015 showed that when comparisons were made between SUVs and small cars, there were 13 deaths per million versus 64 deaths per million, making the larger vehicles safer.

*Newer Smaller Cars versus Older Larger Cars *While larger cars would seem to always be safer than small cars, research has shown that is not always the case. Technology has grown exponentially over the last decade, specifically in terms of safety features in cars. Therefore, while in previous years, a large “tank” like car would be safer, today smaller cars offer side airbags, automatic emergency braking, accident aversion features, and electronic stability controls. Some of these features have actually been mandatory in all cars past 2012, and with these additional safety features, there is a greater chance of prevention of catastrophic injuries or death. In fact, many newer small cars receive government crash-test scores from both the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the nonprofit Insurance Institute for Highway Safety that are exemplary.

*Are Smaller Cars Safe? *Yes, smaller cars are safe, especially the newer ones with enhanced safety technology. However, no matter what car you are in, accidents may still happen. Make sure that if you are operating any kind of motor vehicle, that you always follow the rules of the road and drive in a safe way. Technology and safety features can only help to a point, and it is always better to never be involved in an accident in the first place.

*Contact an Experienced Car Accident Attorney *Unfortunately, car accidents happen to both large and small cars. If you were involved in any kind of a car accident that involved the negligence of another driver, contact an experienced car accident attorney at the Pivotal Law Group at 206-340-2008. We proudly serve the Seattle, Bellevue, Kent, Renton, Burien, Mercer Island and Issaquah areas.