New ratings for systems that help drivers avoid front-to-rear crashes were released by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
Auto manufacturers are making strides in adopting the most beneficial systems with automatic braking capabilities and are offering the features on a wider variety of models. Twenty-one of 24 cars and SUVs, all 2014 models unless noted, earn an advanced or higher rating in the latest round of IIHS evaluations.
“We are already seeing improvements from automakers since the initial launch of our ratings last September,” says David Zuby, IIHS executive vice president and chief research officer. “BMW and Lexus, for example, have added more braking capability to their systems, which has paid off in higher ratings.”
Large family cars and large luxury cars make up the bulk of the test group. IIHS also tested four midsize luxury/near luxury cars, three midsize luxury SUVs and a midsize SUV.
Four vehicles earn perfect scores when equipped with certain options. They are the BMW 5 series large luxury car, BMW X5 midsize luxury SUV, 2015 Hyundai Genesis large luxury car and Mercedes-Benz E-Class large luxury car. In all, eight models earn the highest rating of superior, 13 earn advanced, and three earn a basic rating.
In addition to familiar luxury brands, consumers will find mainstream nameplates among the newest rated vehicles, including Buick, Chevrolet, Dodge and Toyota.
The Institute rates vehicles as basic, advanced or superior for front crash prevention depending on whether they offer autobrake and, if so, how effective it is in tests at 12 and 25 mph.
Forward collision warning systems that meet performance criteria set by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and autobrake systems that provide only minimal speed reduction in IIHS tests earn a basic rating.
Vehicles that combine the warning with moderate speed reductions earn an advanced rating. It is possible to qualify for an advanced rating with an autobrake system that doesn’t first warn the driver before taking action. Models that offer a warning and provide major speed reduction in IIHS tests earn a superior rating.
Some models have multiple ratings because they are available with different versions of front crash prevention systems and their test performance varies. In the current group, this is the case with the BMW 3 series, 5 series and X5.
The rating system is based on HLDI research indicating that forward collision warning and automatic braking systems help drivers avoid front-to-rear crashes.
“We know that this technology is helping drivers avoid crashes,” Zuby says. “The advantage of autobrake is that even in cases where a crash can’t be avoided entirely, the system will reduce speed. Reducing the speed reduces the amount of damage that occurs to both the striking and struck cars and reduces injuries to people in those cars.”
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