Understanding the Importance of Safety Ratings in Your Vehicle Purchase

When purchasing a new car, various factors influence your decision, one of which should be the vehicle’s safety ratings. Although this parameter might not have been a significant consideration on past purchases, here are several compelling reasons why safety ratings should be a major criterion for buying your next vehicle.

1. They Determine Collision Protection

Safety ratings are influenced by a vehicle’s performance under direct-impact collisions. Vehicles with top-notch safety ratings typically ensure better protection for you and your family in the event of a crash. This might be due to strategically placed airbags, seatbelts, and other security features safeguarding passengers during a collision. The vehicle’s body reaction to a collision also feeds into this rating.

2. High-tech Safety Features for Prevention

Newer vehicles, compact cars or large SUVs, are increasingly fitted with cutting-edge safety technology. For instance, sensors that alert drivers when other vehicles are too close for comfort or automatic braking systems that slow down the car when a collision seems imminent. These features enhance with each new model release and contribute positively to the overall safety rating.

3. Quality of Body Material

Over the past decade, there’s been a shift from steel to aluminum in most vehicle designs. Aluminum, being lighter than steel, improves gas mileage without compromising on durability. In a collision, aluminum frames are engineered to direct impact force away from the driver and passengers, enhancing safety and increasing the vehicle’s safety ratings.

These are just a few crucial reasons to factor in safety ratings when purchasing your next vehicle. If you’re in the Memphis, TN area and need an insurance quote, contact Keltner Insurance Agency today.