We often hear about safety ratings for new cars in television advertisements, but rarely do we think to check the safety ratings of older-model vehicles. In Australia, safety ratings for cars built between 1996 and 2010 have been compiled using data from police accident reports. These reports provide a comprehensive view of not only how well the car protects its occupants in a crash, but also the potential impact the vehicle has on others, including passengers of other vehicles, pedestrians, motorcyclists, and cyclists.
Why Are Used Car Safety Ratings Important?
For many years, the primary focus of vehicle safety ratings was on how well a car could protect its occupants in the event of a collision. While this remains a crucial factor, there is now a growing interest in evaluating how a vehicle might affect others outside the car. For example, large SUVs may offer superior protection to their occupants in a crash, but they also pose a greater risk to those in smaller vehicles or pedestrians. Understanding these factors helps consumers make informed decisions, not just for their own safety but for the safety of others on the road.
How Are Safety Ratings Determined?
Safety ratings for used cars are calculated based on several key factors, including:
- Vehicle mass: Heavier vehicles tend to provide more protection to their occupants, but they can also cause more damage to others in a crash.
- Structural design: The body design of the vehicle plays a significant role in how well it can absorb impact and protect those inside.
- Safety features: Features like airbags, seat belts, and electronic stability control (ESC) contribute to the overall safety rating. Cars with more advanced safety features tend to receive higher ratings.
In addition to these factors, safety ratings also take into account how a vehicle behaves in real-world accidents. The police accident reports used to compile these ratings provide valuable insights into how different vehicles perform in collisions, making the ratings more accurate and reliable for used car buyers.
Safe Pick Label
The “Safe Pick” label is a designation given to vehicles that not only protect their occupants but also offer a lower risk of causing harm to others, such as pedestrians, cyclists, and occupants of other vehicles. A Safe Pick vehicle is designed with both internal and external safety in mind, making it a better choice for drivers who want to minimise the potential harm their vehicle might cause in the event of a crash.
Not all vehicles with excellent driver protection ratings are Safe Picks. For example, while a large SUV might receive a high rating for protecting its own occupants, it might not qualify as a Safe Pick because of the increased risk it poses to others in a collision. When shopping for a used car, it’s a good idea to check both the Driver Protection Rating and whether the car is labelled as a Safe Pick.
Driver Protection Rating
The Driver Protection Rating ranges from “excellent” (five stars) to “very poor” (one star) and provides a clear indication of how well a car protects its driver in the event of a crash. Cars with five-star ratings offer the highest level of protection, while those with lower ratings may put drivers at greater risk of injury.
It’s important to note that while an “excellent” Driver Protection Rating is ideal, it doesn’t always mean the vehicle is the safest option for everyone on the road. Large vehicles that protect their occupants well can still pose a significant danger to smaller cars or pedestrians. That’s why it’s important to look at the full picture when assessing a vehicle’s safety rating.
Making an Informed Choice
When purchasing a used car, safety should be one of your top considerations. Here are a few steps to help you make a well-informed decision:
- Check the safety ratings: Before making a purchase, ask the dealer for the safety ratings of the car. You can also research the vehicle’s safety performance online using resources like ANCAP (Australasian New Car Assessment Program) or the Used Car Safety Ratings report.
- Look for Safe Pick labels: If you want to ensure your vehicle is not only safe for you but also poses less risk to others, look for cars with the Safe Pick label.
- Consider your driving environment: If you drive primarily in urban areas with heavy pedestrian or cyclist traffic, it might be worth prioritising a car with lower external impact risks. On the other hand, if you often drive on highways or rural roads, a car with higher occupant protection may be more relevant.
Why External Safety Matters
While it’s natural to prioritise the safety of yourself and your passengers, it’s also essential to consider how your vehicle impacts others on the road. For example, in a collision between a large SUV and a smaller car, the SUV occupants may be well protected, but the smaller car’s occupants could suffer much more severe injuries. Similarly, pedestrians and cyclists are at higher risk when involved in accidents with larger vehicles.
By choosing a vehicle that balances occupant protection with external safety, you contribute to safer roads for everyone. The hope is that more consumers will start considering how their vehicle affects others before making a purchase, leading to better overall safety outcomes on Australian roads.
Conclusion
Your safety and that of your family is a top priority, but it’s equally important to consider the safety of others on the road. Whether you’re buying a new car or a used one, taking the time to review safety ratings can help you make a responsible and informed decision. Look for cars that offer both strong driver protection and a Safe Pick label and remember to consider how your vehicle could impact pedestrians, cyclists, and other road users. By doing so, you’ll be contributing to a safer driving environment for everyone.
