New "Stars on Cars" Rating System Revealed

December 31, 2010 (Press-News.org) In October, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) unveiled a new five-star rating system to judge safety standards on new vehicles.

NHTSA cited the need for new standards because so many vehicles had reached the highest safety levels under the old rating system. A report by the Associated Press notes that in past years, nearly 90 percent of vehicles earned four or five stars. Less than 30 percent of vehicles achieved that rating in 1979.

According to The New York Times, only two vehicles received the highest rating of five stars out of the 33 cars tested under the new standards. Fifty-five total vehicles will be tested under the updated system.

More Stars Equals Safer Cars

Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood cites the need for better crash data and advances in technology as part of the movement to make safety ratings more meaningful for consumers.

According to NHTSA, previous five star ratings took into account front crash, side crash and rollover resistance ratings. The new rankings take that data into account but also measure a side-impact oblique pole test, which simulates striking a tree or utility pole. The Times notes that the new system marks the first time that smaller, female-sized crash test dummies will be used. Previously, only male-sized dummies were used to test impact resistance levels.

Aside from the stricter standards and new tests, consumers will also be provided with an overall rating, according to the Times report. This allows consumers to more easily compare vehicles.

Lower Scores Expected

Due to the enhanced standards, many in the auto industry are expecting vehicles to have lower ratings. According to NHTSA, only two vehicles received the highest rating of five stars out of the 33 cars tested under the new standards. Fifty-five total vehicles will be tested under the updated system.

A report in the USA Today notes the biggest surprise after the first round of testing is the decline of the Toyota Camry. The 2011 model, tested under the new system, carried only a three-star rating. The 2010 model, which has no significant differences from the 2011 version, previously achieved one of the highest scores possible. Toyota points to the new testing system as reasons for the decline and not the safety of its vehicles.

Despite advances in testing and vehicle safety, serious accidents do occur. According to NHTSA, over 33,000 people were killed in traffic fatalities in 2009. If you have been injured or lost a family member in an auto accident, it is important to discuss your options with an experienced personal injury attorney.

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