According to the Department for Transport, there were 195,723 road casualties on British roads in 2012 – 1,754 people lost their lives in these accidents. The outcomes of these incidents depend on the safety credentials of the vehicles involved in some part. As a result, we have below compiled a list of five of the safest cars on the market today. If you were to be involved in a collision, you’d want to be sat in one of these.
Volvo V40
This vehicle was deemed the safest small family car in Euro NCAP’s Best in Class Cars of 2012, receiving a five-star safety rating. Crash test results showed a safety score of 98 per cent for adult passengers and 75 per cent for children. It is equipped with the Volvo City Safety autonomous emergency braking system, which received a Euro NCAP Advanced Reward in 2010. The technology can automatically apply the brakes if there is a threat of collision at speeds between 2.2 and 18.6 mph.
Audi A3
The Audi A3 boasts three-point inertia reel seat belts, airbags which adapt to the situation for optimal deployment and Pre Sense technology that prepares the vehicle for collision once it senses impending impact. All this resulted in an exceptional crash test performance.
Ford Kuga
This SUV received a 100 per cent score from Euro NCAP for its safety assist features, which include Lane Departure Warning, Traffic Sign Recognition technology and Hill Start Assist. The Driver Alert system, which identifies motorist fatigue through analysis of driving style and suggests a break, won an Advanced Reward.
Hyundai i30
This vehicle is packed with some of the top safety features on the market. The children’s safety score was 90 per cent, with partial thanks likely to the rear ISOfix child seat anchorage points, rear seat seatbelt reminders and childproof rear door locks.
BMW 3 Series
Euro NCAP gave this luxury vehicle 95 per cent, 84 per cent and 78 per cent safety scores for adult passengers, child occupants and pedestrians respectively, making it one of the most impressive crash test performers. The saloon, which was voted What Car? Best Executive Car for the eighth time in 2013, has impressive safety features such as the lane change warning system, which notifies drivers of a vehicle in their blind spot when pulling out.
Tesla Model S
The right-hand drive version of this car is due to be released in the UK soon, and it is sure to be a favourite among families prioritising safety and environmentally-conscious drivers alike. That’s because the zero-emissions car was deemed the safest vehicle ever tested by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
This article was produced on behalf of Beecham Peacock solicitors, a personal injury claims specialist.