Minivans and Safety: The Latest IIHS Study Breakdown
Let’s get ahead of this- you may seem some scary headlines coming out over the next few days about minivan safety and today on the blog, I’d like to break this down and discuss what the latest news from IIHS means for families.
TLDR - A recent study by the IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) that looked into how minivans fare when it comes to protecting second-row passengers in a crash.
Let’s dive right in so I can break down what the latest IIHS says, but more importantly how that affects your family on the road.
The Study & Results
The IIHS is known for comprehensive crash testing methods to ensure that manufacturers are consistently upping their game. After running a series of tests on mid-size SUVs, they shifted their attention to minivans, given how popular they are among families.
The findings were not as promising as we would hope. Of the four minivans tested, three landed in the "marginal" category and the Honda Odyssey was rated as "poor."
I’ve done a lot of research surrounding the latest minivans on the market and how they compare to each other. Safety is the most important factor to consider, but there are a lot of other features as well that separate these vehicles from each other. To learn all their differences, check out my Minivan Showdown.
Perspective is Key
Before you hit the panic button and second-guess your vehicle choice, let's put things into perspective. The IIHS's primary role is to introduce innovative testing measures, making it challenging for vehicles to get top scores. The goal is not to scare consumers but to push manufacturers to design and build the safest vehicles possible.
Remember, these are new tests, and they are rigorous. They are designed that way to help carmakers identify areas for improvement. With each testing cycle, the bar is raised, urging manufacturers to continually advance their safety standards.
If you're currently considering purchasing a minivan or any vehicle for that matter, my advice would be to focus on models with cutting-edge crash prevention technology. While crash test results provide valuable insights, the best outcome is avoiding a collision in the first place.
Crash Prevention: The Ultimate Safety Feature
In both my reviews and personal vehicle preferences, I've always emphasized the importance of crash prevention. Technologies like automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control have the potential to intervene and avert many accidents. In my view, while crash tests are vital, prevention is the best form of protection.
I currently drive a Kia Carnival. And while I feel safe and secure in it, I'm optimistic that manufacturers, including Kia, will take note of these IIHS findings and make any necessary tweaks to ensure even higher safety standards in the future.
Minivans and Safety: Kelly’s Take
It's natural to be concerned when you hear that a vehicle you own or are considering might not perform as well in certain crash scenarios. But remember, vehicles today are safer than they've ever been. The aim of these tests is to make them even safer.
In the world of car safety, there's always room for improvement, and that's a good thing. As manufacturers heed the results of these tests and refine their designs, our roads become safer places for all of us.
While it's essential to stay informed and make safety a priority, don't let one test result dictate your peace of mind. Trust in the advancements of car safety and always remain vigilant on the road. After all, the safety of our families is in our hands, and together, we can make every journey a safe one.
To keep up with all the latest features from both a safety and technology perspective, check out my latest posts:
