Even the safest cars cannot help in high-speed car accidents

Thanks to advancements in technology, today’s vehicles are safer than ever before. These days, vehicles in Michigan and across the United States boast a number of vital safety features such as strategically placed airbags, emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring. However, even in vehicles with top safety ratings, traveling just a few mph faster may lead to worse injuries in car accidents.

Speed is critical

A recent study conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) found that some crash tests may not reflect the dangers of real-world vehicle speeds. When purchasing vehicles, many consumers rely on data from government and independent crash tests. According to the study, many vehicles that earned a top safety rating in testing would earn a poor rating if the tests were conducted at speeds just 10 mph faster.

Finding a balance

According to a spokesperson for IIHS, simply testing cars at higher speeds is not a viable solution. Increasing testing speeds sounds good but may have unintended consequences. For example, to perform well at higher speeds, vehicles would need stiffer structures. But this could make lower-speed crashes more dangerous. The spokesperson noted that designing a vehicle with good crash protection is about balance.

When it comes down to it, this study highlights the dangers of speeding. Although traffic is lighter on Michigan roadways since the onset of the pandemic, it should not be an invitation to drive faster. Unpredictable things can and will happen when driving, so always stay focused and cautious behind the wheel. Any person who suffers injury or loss as the result of negligence in car accidents can take legal action. By contacting a skilled litigator and filing a claim, victims and families could be awarded monetary damages that they deserve.