Boston Car Accident Lawyer Blog

According to a new report published by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), only one minicar out of 11 achieved an “acceptable” rating in an overlap front crash test.

While these subcompact cars are cute, efficient, and relatively inexpensive, with their small interior volume of less than 99 cubic feet, they are undeniably unsafe. This test in fact confirms many minicar critics’ assumptions: it the worst performing type of vehicle evaluated by the non-profit educational/research organization.

The results of this test showed that only 1 minicar, the Chevrolet Spark, received an acceptable rating in the front crash test, along with good ratings in the IIHS’s four other crashworthiness evaluations. The Spark was awarded the “Top Safety Pick” award.

The small overlap test, which was introduced in 2012, simulates what would happen when the front corner of a vehicle collides with another vehicle or stationary object such as a tree or utility pole. During this test, 25% of the vehicle’s front end on the driver’s side strikes a rigid barrier at 40 mph.

According the IIHS, “The test is more difficult than the head-on crashes conducted by the government or the longstanding IIHS moderate overlap test because most of the vehicle’s front-end crush zone is bypassed. That makes it hard for the vehicle to manage crash energy, and the occupant compartment can collapse as a result. Nevertheless, in many size categories, manufacturers have found ways to improve vehicle structures to meet this challenge.”

What does this mean for mini compacts? Ultimately lack of interior room, overall size and weight, these vehicles and their occupants are at a serious safety disadvantage. In contrast to minicars, small compact cars (which are slightly larger) have performed significantly better in these types of tests. The component ratings that make up the overall marks, every minicar including the Spark rated marginal or poor for structure (the most fundamental element of occupant protections), the IIHS said.
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After the first storm of the season, Massachusetts State Police are urging drivers to clean their cars completely of snow before getting onto the roads.

New England saw several inches of accumulated snowfall last weekend as well as heavy snowfall last night, some areas totaling as much as 4 – 5 inches. Since these two storms mark the first big storms of the winter, state and local officials are reminding drivers of the importance of clearing cars of snow. Accumulating layers of snowfall on top of cars is especially dangerous because it can slide off and blind you or go through a fellow drivers’ windshield. Additionally, state officials caution drivers to take extra precautions when there’s snow on the ground.

The U.S. Department of Transportation reported that nearly one quarter of all car accidents (1.5 million) in the United States are caused by weather-winter is the most dangerous season. Winter weather including snow, sleet, and frigid temperatures contribute to hazardous road conditions. Ice and black ice are products of wet weather and freezing temperatures are the main culprits behind the majority of serious weather-related incidents.

Winter driving safety tips:
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With the winter weather upon us, it is important to consider the best driving practices to keep yourself and others safe on the roadways. As was the case last weekend, it is easy to fall victim to a serious car accident as the roadways get slick and the weather impairs the ability to drive safely.

The best advice for driving in poor winter weather, is to not drive at all, if it’s avoidable. However, if you do find yourself having to drive in winter weather, ensure that you are prepared and are fully capable of handling the road conditions.

Tips For Winter Driving: