The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) is a U.S. based organization founded in 1959. The organization aims to reduce the number of crashes, rate of injuries and amount of damages that occur in accidents. The IIHS is known for its research and the ratings it gives for passenger vehicles’ safety. Recently the institute has listed out the safest cars for 2013 in each category and also awarded its ‘Top Safety Pick+’ title to 13 cars. Majority of the cars badged with Top Safety Pick+ are mid-sized saloons.
In order to qualify for the institute’s Top Safety Pick+ badge, the cars must carry out good ratings for their occupant protection in at least 4 evaluations out of 5. The cars that qualified for the Top Safety Pick+ award inclduing Dodge Avenger, Chrysler 200, Ford Fusion, Honda Accord Coupe, Honda Accord Sedan, Kia Optima, Nissan Altima, Subaru Legacy, Subaru Outback, Suzuki Kizashi, Volvo S60, Volkswagen Passat and Acura TL.
The institute awarded the Top Safety Pick title to 117 cars for 2013, ranging from the smallest Fiat 500 in minicars category to the large sized pickup trucks like the Toyota Tundra coming under the large pickups category. The qualification for the safety awards included moderate overlap frontal test, side impact, rollover and rear tests. In order to receive a Top Safety Pick title, the vehicle should also have the Electronic Stability Control system as an option.
