Are smaller cars safer to be used? Are older and heavy cars safer as compared to the light and newer ones? If a good crash test score is obtained by a small car will it hold its own in a crash with that of a heavy and big car?

From car shoppers, these are some of the common questions we often hear. There are some people who are willing to downsize to a vehicle which is more compact. On the other hand, some people are seen in search of affordable and safer cars. Here are some of the answers regarding small cars and their safety.

Bigger cars are safer in general

Nowadays the new and smaller cars are safer than ever before, but the fact is that larger vehicles are safer in contrast to the smaller ones. Bigger and heavier objects (according to physics) are considered safer as compared to lighter and smaller ones. There are bigger crush zones, long hoods and weigh more, this offers an advantage in case of any frontal crash.

According to the Institute of Highway safety, during impact, heavier vehicles will push a lighter one backwards. Consequently, on the occupants of heavier vehicles, there is less force while the one using smaller and lighter vehicle is at more risk.

New, smart cars are safer than old bulky cars

One of the myths regarding car safety is that older cars were built like tanks which makes them safer than new cars, which is not true.

A vehicle which is ten years old lacks airbags and electronic stability control while the new vehicle (though smaller in size) now days is equipped with modern safety equipment and collision avoidance technology. The electronic stability control tremendously reduces the chance of rolling over of a vehicle (which according to IIHS is significant for the SUV and top-heavy trucks).

Not all people are in a position to buy new cars, but if you are looking for a used car, make it sure that it has advanced safety equipment such as electronic stability control and airbags.

Crash test score of the cars

One of the confusing matters for the car buyers is that various sized cars have similar safety rating which gives an impression that smaller cars are safer as larger SUVs, which is not true. IIHS conducts its own crash tests and cars are rated for their worthiness from poor to good. This is generally based on the ability of the car driver to survive a crash. The ratings are helpful only in the case where you compare the safety within the cars of same sizes.

The Last Word

No crash test program is able to deal with every scenario regarding accident or crash but a good scoring car in both IIHS and NHTSA test offer better chance to avoid serious injuries or death rates regardless of the size of the vehicle. For small car buyers, this is good news especially for those who are looking for multiple features in small cars such as mileage and safety.

From safety advances vehicles have benefited over time. The modern small cars come with advanced safety features and this is one of the reasons why there is a substantial decline in death rates over the past decade.

You can opt for a smaller car with proven safety features when you don’t have the budget to buy a bigger one with similar or lesser safety features.

A big part of safety is how well your car is maintained. A well maintained car is a safe car because it helps you prevent many accidents that are caused by faulty systems within your car. In Oklahoma City, Midwest City and surrounding areas look no further than Davis Paint & Collision Auto Center to service your car. We have 2 locations to serve you more efficiently. Please give us a call at our Oklahoma City location (405) 733-9797 or Midwest City location (405) 732-0762!